June 22, 2018
There’ll be a new award in The Ration Shed’s already-crowded trophy cabinet after chairperson Aunty Sandra Morgan returned from Cairns recently.
Aunty Sandra and Luella Blair, from the Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc, collected a 2018 Queensland Reconciliation Award (Community) for the association’s very successful annual Reconciliation Fun Run.
The event, which celebrated its fifth outing in May this year, beat three other finalists in the Community category: Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Clayfield Childcare Association and Orange Sky Australia.
Aunty Sandra told southburnett.com.au that “reconciliation” was always being spoken about during tours at The Ration Shed so it seemed a natural theme for the association to choose when they started thinking about organising a fun run linking Murgon and Cherbourg in late 2012.
“It is a fundraising event and a fun way to bring the communities together,” she said.
Registrations for the run have steadily increased over the years.
“More people from far away are coming, and professional runners, too,” she said.
A big drawcard for the 2018 event had been adding the extra distance to the run, taking the length of the main event from 7km up to 10km.
The award was presented to Aunty Sandra by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad.
“One of the finalists in another category actually attended the Reconciliation Fun Run,” Aunty Sandra said.
“He came here with his school and said he would definitely be coming back.”
The organisers held a de-briefing meeting recently and have already begun planning the 2019 event and started looking for sponsors.
“It will be bigger and better!” Aunty Sandra promised.
* * *
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington congratulated The Ration Shed committee on its success.
“This is fantastic recognition for the amazing work the group do each year to co-ordinate the Reconciliation Fun Run,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The Reconciliation Fun Run is a project of The Ration Shed committee and many hard-working volunteers.
“It is recognition for their efforts in co-ordinating this increasingly important event for the Cherbourg and Murgon communities and indeed, the entire South Burnett.
“Well done to Ration Shed chairperson Sandra Morgan and her team for their passion and dedication to bringing communities together in the spirit of reconciliation.”
* * *
In other news from The Ration Shed:
- The deck at the rear of the original Ration Shed building has been widened which makes the space more functional for hosting tours or Elders’ reunions
- The renovation of the Boys Dormitory is well underway. The building has been closed – and its displays placed into storage – while it has been restumped and repaired. It will house a dormitory display when it re-opens, as well as its former features. New toilets are expected to be open by NAIDOC Week.
- The historical precinct has gained possession of an old wooden house located nearby in Cherbourg. This is going to be shifted behind the Boys Dormitory to become a “pottery house” for the Barambah Pottery artists to use.
- Planning for a reunion of former Cherbourg Marching Girls is also under way, possibly to coincide with the Golden Oldies reunion on the October long weekend.
Related articles:
- Running The Path To Reconciliation (2018)
- Another Record-Breaking Run … For Fun (2017)
- Big Day Tops Off A Big Effort (2016)
- Fitness, Fun And Friendship (2015)
- Running For Fun And Reconciliation (2014)
(Photo: Premier’s Department)
