November 30, 2014
Growing The Burnett (GTB) will launch a $250,000 public fund-raising drive next year to allow it to purchase a permanent home in the South Burnett.
The plan – which was foreshadowed at the group’s Annual General Meeting in October – was formally announced at an invitation-only fundraising lunch for about 50 guests held at a private residence in South Nanango on Sunday afternoon.
GTB founder Brian Jarvis told guests the non-profit community organisation was currently focussing on three projects for 2015:
- The design and development of an integrated small farm on leased land at Moffatdale, in collaboration with the land owners
- The purchase of a farming property in the region for the development of a permanent, commercial community farm and Sustainability Centre which would be wholly owned by GTB, and …
- The design and construction of an integrated lifestyle block – including a residence and infrastructure – tailored to fit low-income earners
Mr Jarvis said GTB intends to raise funds for the projects by opening a Register Of Sponsor Members next year.
Individuals and companies would be able to make donations of any amount to the Register.
Donations would give sponsor members part-ownership of GTB’s assets, along with a legally enforceable guarantee that if the organisation were wound up, they would be entitled to be reimbursed their donations from the sale of the organisation’s assets.
Sponsor members would also be entitled to other benefits but the GTB Board is yet to decide what these would be.
The group also took the opportunity to launch a brochure outlining Growing The Burnett’s three-year history, aims and objectives.
Mr Jarvis said reaction to the concepts outlined at the lunch had been very positive.
The group now hopes to hold a similar lunch for the public towards the end of January so non-members can also hear about GTB’s plans and become involved in its projects if they wished.
The day raised about $2000 for the group’s funds.
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- Growing The Burnett Plans A New Direction
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- Wanted: A Home To Put Down Roots
- Latest Crop Of Trainees Graduates
- Markets Moving To Twilight Zone
- New Farming Skills Take Root
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- Would-Be Small Farmers Wanted
- Students Put Microscope On Farm
- Growing The Burnett … One Job At A Time
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- Senator Congratulates Graduates
- Many Hands Make Green Thumbs
- Volunteers Add Some Art
- Horticulture Project Starts Growing
- Calling All Would-Be Horticulturalists
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- Small Farming Draws A Large Audience
- Farming ‘Should Be Fun’
