January 26, 2015
The South Burnett Community Organisation Of The Year Australia Day Award recognises an outstanding community group or event’s contribution to the region.
In 2015, the nominees were:
- Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade
- Begun as ‘The Bush Fire Brigade’ in 1980 with minimal volunteers
- Shed built in 1991 and officially became Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade
- Now has two medium fire fighting units, one light unit, support ute, 20 firefighters and five support people
- Holds regular training meetings and is dedicated to educating the community on all aspects of fire safety
- South Burnett Gas Guzzlers Rods & Customs Inc
- Brings tourists and exhibitors to the region with “Raising Hell in Maidenwell”
- Funds raised from events are distributed to local beneficiaries and appeals
- Involved with multiple community organisations and events
- Members repaired the vintage fire truck from Ringsfield House
- Assists with the annual “Waterhole Rocks” event
- Member of the Nanango Show Society and the Nanango Tourism and Development Association
- South Burnett Orchid Society Inc
- Portion of profit from the shows that have been held since 1998 have been donated to various charities
- Affiliated with Orchid Societies from Bribie Island to Rockhampton, bringing exhibitors from these areas to the region
- Society’s goal is to foster the cultivation and preservation of native and exotic orchids for the public to appreciate
- Wondai Garden Expo Committee Inc
- Donations by way of thanks are made to multiple local organisations which provide personnel for the events
- Provided capital improvements to the Wondai Sports Ground
- Organisations which use the expo for fundraising are provided with free sites
- Expo showcases the wonderful diversity of the horticulture activities and possibilities in the South Burnett
- South Burnett Speedway
- Brings together local organisations in the running of each event
- Monthly race meetings bring regular visitors to the region
- The Kings Royal meeting is the largest race meeting for its division in Australia and attracts hundreds of visitors from all over Australia to the South Burnett
- South Burnett Chorale
- Performs eight concerts annually across the region and donates $2000 from funds raised to local charitable organisations
- Performs for residents in aged care facilities and hospitals within the South Burnett
- Invited to sing at many celebrations and community events
- Hosted the Australian National Choral Association’s ‘Big Sing” in Kingaroy, attracting 185 choristers from across Queensland
- QCWA Proston Branch
- Raises funds by conducting raffles, selling handmade crafts and holding stalls
- During holiday periods mans the Driver Surviver stall on behalf of the Wondai Lions Club
- Contributes awards to the Proston State School annually for pupils who excel in various fields
- Provides transport, household goods, food and information to assist families whom have suffered serious injury or loss of a family member
- Catering for multiple functions and events across the region
- South Burnett Angel Knitters & Crocheters Group
- Knits and crochets items for the underprivileged and disadvantaged in the South Burnett and all around the world
- Some of their many projects include – knitting and crocheting Items for premature and still born babies, ambulance and helicopter rescue blankets, trauma teddies, blankets for the Hamlin Fistula Clinic in Ethiopia and saleable items for the Hamlin Fistula Foundation shop, items for children in orphanages in Zimbabwe and Thailand, and cocoons and coats for animal welfare
- Kumbia State School Centenary Committee
- 18 months of meetings, preparing souvenirs, creating the centenary book, finding past students, teachers and memorabilia
- Involved other community organisations, including the local quilting group and the Kumbia Historical Society
- 2000 attended the day generating much excitement and pride within the community
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Winner: South Burnett Speedway Club
The Kingaroy Speedway has brought great benefit to the local community for many years through hosting monthly race meetings.
These meetings run from October to May each year and have brought swarms of visitors to the region.
Each month the speedway involves many local organisations in the running of each event.
The annual three-day Kings Royal Meeting, held on the Australia Day weekend, is the largest race meeting for Modified Productions vehicles in Australia.
Last year it brought more than 150 cars to Kingaroy, drawing visitors from all over Australia including as far as Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.
Related articles:
- Joan Is Our Citizen Of The Year
- Local Achiever Awards
- Senior Cultural Award
- Junior Cultural Award
- Community Organisation Of The Year
- Junior Sportsperson Of The Year
- Senior Sportsperson Of The Year
- Sports Coach, Official Or Administrator
- Volunteer Of The Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Young Citizen Of The Year
- Citizen Of The Year
