One Person Can Make A Difference

Marie Shaw, who has been providing JP services at the South Burnett Peace Of Mind Drop-In Centre, with Rhonda Trivett at Kingaroy Library on Thursday morning

May 31, 2018

South Burnett Peace Of Mind founder Rhonda Trivett is on the lookout for volunteers … to help on the organising committee, to help at the Drop-In Centre or just to provide a kind ear to people in trouble.

Rhonda spoke to a group of potential volunteers gathered at the Kingaroy Library on Thursday morning.

Mayor Keith Campbell, who introduced Rhonda to the group, said she was an “amazing lady”.

“If you knew her story you would understand the capacity of this lady to do good for people who are less advantaged,” he said.

“She has been through hell herself, and she knows what she wants to impart to others in the community.

“She needs a helping hand …”

Rhonda launched the South Burnett Peace of Mind Association in 2011.

One of the first projects was to get a drop-in centre running, which still operates on Mondays from 9:00am to 9:30pm at the Lutheran Church Hall in Youngman Street, Kingaroy.

People wander in and out, play games, do activities, chat, enjoy meals …

Many of them have mental health issues or disabilities; some are simply homeless.

Rhonda estimates there are about 25 people currently sleeping rough in Kingaroy, alternating between sleeping in parks and couch surfing with friends.

She said she often fields calls from the police to pick up someone, or from real estate agents.

“Why lock up people in a watchhouse? Why have people go into a mental health unit when we can help them in the community?” she said.

Rhonda’s dream for the next stage revolves around the NDIS and possible opportunities to train people to assist.

She envisages a course containing units from a Certificate IV in Aged Care and mental health training, combined with practical tips from people such as herself who have experience working with people.

“We need people because I won’t always be around …” she said.

“I need a team of people who are willing to go out on the streets at night, because that’s where the kids are.

“I need people who will be available 24/7.”

Rhonda is still working on a dream to get land – donated by the State Government – and a house for emergency accommodation.

“If we get a house, we will need staff … volunteers who will stay there overnight.”

Rhonda said many people were afraid to talk to people who had a mental illness.

“When you get to know these guys, they are really nice people,” she said.

“People think that if you have a mental illness you are crazy.

“Believe me, volunteers make a big difference to these people, because they know they care.

“If everyone would just help each other, we wouldn’t have these problems.”

She said there were plenty of benefits from volunteering, including learning new skills.

At the moment, Rhonda is looking for new people to join the South Burnett Peace Of Mind organising committee – especially someone willing to act as secretary – and volunteers to help at the Drop-In centre.

The Drop-In volunteers can be willing to share skills – like knitting or craft – or just simply talk to people.

“I believe that one person can make a difference. It starts with one person …”

Rhonda Trivett can be contacted on 0455-296-845.

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