2016's Top Community Organisation

2016 Australia Day Awards — Heather Rowberry and Frances Wyeth from Relay For Life accept congratulations from Cr Kathy Duff and Deputy Mayor Keith Campbell for “an outstanding effort” over the last 10 years

January 26, 2016

The South Burnett’s annual Relay For Life, which celebrated its tenth outing in 2015, has won this year’s award for the South Burnett’s Community Organisation Of The Year.

Relay For Life is a chance for the region’s community to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome cancer, and commemorate the memory of those who did not.

Last year the South Burnett Relay for Life committee achieved a record number of participants.

494 registered, including many first-time high school teams.

The financial goal was to raise enough to pass the $1,000,000 mark in the 10th year.

And with more than $134,000 raised so far, they are very close to achieving this outstanding milestone – a phenomenal effort for a relatively small community.

Relay For Life events are organised by a group of volunteers who are committed to improving support services for cancer patients, as well as assisting research and prevention of a disease that touches many within our community.

Teams fundraise in the community leading up to the event, then come together for the main event where there is recognition and encouragement provided for survivors with a Survivors Lap, a Survivors and Carer’s afternoon tea, and a Remembrance Ceremony for those who have sadly passed.

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Other nominees for the 2016 Community Organisation Of The Year were:

South Burnett Gas Guzzlers, Rods & Customs Inc

The South Burnett Gas Guzzlers have entrenched themselves into being an organisation that contributes far beyond their original reason for forming, which was for members to share their love of vehicles. A year after they were formed in 2009, they created the annual Raising Hell in Maidenwell festival, which now brings tourists and exhibitors to Maidenwell from all over south-east Queensland.

And in 2015, by sharing their love of vehicles, applying for grants and helping out at events such as Waterhole Rocks, they were able to make several improvements have to facilities at the Nanango Showgrounds.

The group are also are active members of the Nanango Tourism and Development Association, participating in the “Adopt A Spot” litter program that picks up roadside rubbish around Nanango, and also assisted with the repainting the Big Bucket at the entrance to Nanango. And in the last 6 years the group has raised and distributed more than $18,500 to individuals and groups in the South Burnett.
Wondai Garden Expo

The Wondai Garden Expo draws up to 3000 people to each six-monthly Expo, and the Expo committee works hand in hand with other Wondai community organisations to help share each Expo’s profits. As a result, many capital improvements have been made to facilities at the Wondai Sports Ground, as well as donations to other local organisations and their events.

The Expo also showcases the wonderful diversity of horticulture that exists in south east Queensland and, more specifically, in the South Burnett.
Tanduringie State School Centenary Committee

Tanduringie State School’s energetic Centenary Committee met over 18 months to ensure the school’s 100th year celebration in September 2015 was a success.
The event saw over 450 past and present students, former teachers and community members join in day and night of celebrations, each proudly answering their name when the roll was called.

The oldest living student was able to attend, a very sprightly 101 year old Stan Le Feuvre who, accompanied by the youngest student (aged 5) cut the special centenary cake.
Wondai and District Garden Club Inc

The Wondai and District Garden Club is the principal organisation behind one of Wondai’s signature events, the Wondai Garden Expo. The club has over 50 members with an average meeting attendance of over 30, and members contribute their time and talent to encourage members and visitors alike to discover what makes Wondai such a great community to live in.

The club donates over $2000 each year back to the community from the funds it raises, and in 2015 it was awarded the Garden Clubs of Australia medal for Best Garden Club in Australia.
Wondai & District Town Band

The Wondai & District Town Band was established in 1908 and it has been practicing and playing continuously throughout the South Burnett for nearly 107 years. During that time the band have contributed their talents to significant historic events such as farewelling the troops at the train station in 1914 to homecoming welcomes for troops returning from WWII.

These days band members’ ages range from 9 to 90 years of age, and the band routinely performs at
Anzac Day services, Australia Day events, Christmas Carnivals and Reserve Forces Day, as well as school functions, at aged care facilities, and festivals.
The band also has a range of instruments to loan to players, and has mentored and trained many talented musicians over the years.
Murgon Junior Rugby League

The Murgon Junior Rugby League club hosted two major events in 2015: the 20th Anniversary, week long Under 43kg Carnival which saw the South Burnett Junior Rugby League Team win their first-ever finals, attracted teams from across Qld and NSW, and saw 300 visitors staying in the region for the whole week; and the South Burnett Rugby League Grand Finals for both Junior and Senior Competitions, where a large crowd gathered at the Murgon Showgrounds to experience a true Grand Final atmosphere.
Graham House Community Centre

The Graham House Community Centre was formed in 1988 by citizens concerned about the lack of services to support community members. And from humble beginnings 26 years ago, accessing small grants to provide community education, Graham House Community Centre has now grown to employ 21 full, part time and casual employees. It is also supported by a band of over 75 volunteers, driving 10 vehicles to enable non-acute and frail community members to be transported to their medical appointments.

Graham House Community Centre delivers a wide range of programs to the South Burnett community, including providing emergency and financial assistance for people in need, food hampers, supermarket vouchers, fuel, computer and internet classes for seniors, a community garden that provides ingredients used in the community kitchen and a free book club. It is also part of a consortium of providers assisting people in the recovery of mental health illnesses.