Drop-In Centre Seeks Volunteers

June 29, 2014

A small group of people gathered at the Kingaroy Library on Friday morning to hear a heartfelt plea for help from the founder of a Kingaroy drop-in centre.

Rhonda Trivett set up the not-for-profit South Burnett Peace Of Mind Association in 2012.

Her first attempt at running a regular meeting place for people with mental, physical and emotional health problems began in 2013 at St Mary’s Catholic Church Hall. However this closed later that year “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

Rhonda has now negotiated the use of the St John’s Lutheran Hall to re-establish the program.

She said the aim was to offer appropriate activities to support, encourage and educate people before crises happen.

Rhonda said there were many people “doing it tough” in the community, while others were finding life unbearable and had nowhere to go.

“A lot of people are falling through the cracks. A lot of people are not getting help. It’s wrong. It’s criminal,” she said.

Rhonda said the aim of the group was to improve the lifestyle of people in need.

“No matter what your need is we will endeavour do our best to help you,” she said.

The drop-in centre at St John’s Hall in Youngman Street is open every Monday from 9:00am to 6:45pm.

Activities include art and craft, music and singing, knitting and crocheting, computer and board games.

When food licence issues are sorted out, South Burnett Peace Of Mind also hopes to offer cooking lessons and run a soup kitchen from the hall.

Rhonda has big dreams for the project, including its own dedicated building offering emergency accommodation.

“We need a 24 hour place that is open seven days a week,” she said.

But to make these dreams come true, she’ll need more volunteers – and a lot more financial assistance – to help the project grow.

She’s also looking for people who can teach craft skills.

Deputy Mayor Keith Campbell said he had allocated some of his council discretionary funds to help South Burnett Peace Of Mind get their food licence to “at least get the project up and running”.

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South Burnett Peace of Mind also has an alcohol-free “White Dove Ball Dance” dinner planned for October 10 at Kingaroy Town Hall for supporters and clients of local health and welfare support services.

Cost will be $50 per person or $35 for pensioners/seniors and concession card holders.

People who are homeless, or who are undergoing counselling or treatment for mental illness, will be allowed in for free (although a $10 deposit will be required which will be refunded on the night at the door).

“We would appreciate any help through donations of clothes, including men’s suits, jewellery, shoes, or anything you can think of,” Rhonda said.

“We need hairdressers and people to help with putting make-up on the clients. Also donations of soft drinks and juices would be appreciated. Monetary donations are most welcome.

“We also need drivers or mini buses to bring and take clients home on the night. If we all pitch in this will be a great night for all who attend the White Dove Ball.”

  Kingaroy