November 30, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest challenge South Burnett CTC has faced in many years, according to chairman John Box.
The pandemic led to increased domestic violence in the South Burnett as well as an increase in other demands on the not-for-profit community organisation.
Mr Box’s summing up of the past 12 months was presented to the CTC annual general meeting, which was held last Thursday in Kingaroy.
“Adapting to the many necessary changes to remain compliant was planned and executed in a very professional manner by management and staff,” Mr Box said.
“The CTC world as we knew it will never be the same and accepting the changes and restrictions has certainly been a very testing time for all.
“COVID-19 caused additional stress to many of the already over-stretched workers across all departments.
“Our staff experienced substantial increases (in cases of) family and domestic violence and challenging behaviours by clients in all sections of the organisation.”
CTC CEO Nina Temperton, who chaired the AGM, reported the past 12 months had been challenging even before the pandemic.
“Across the organisation, everyone was working really hard and in many cases put in lots of extra (often unpaid) hours to deliver the best client-focused services we could conceive … then the pandemic hit and it was all systems change,” she said.
“Like everyone else, we had to reinvent the way we worked while the need for our services remained or increased.”
She said the efforts made by staff who live in Cherbourg must be particularly commended.
“During the lockdown, they basically were on duty 24/7 and took on the program delivery for those staff who could not enter Cherbourg,” Mrs Temperton said.
“Well beyond the call of duty, and much appreciated.”
Mrs Temperton said the financial results for 2019-20 were “very satisfying” and confirmed the organisation’s sustainability.
She acknowledged the extra COVID-19 funding received from the Federal Government as well as assistance from Stanwell, the Kingaroy Lions and Rotary clubs, the South Burnett Mayor’s Christmas Lunch, QCWA and donations from members of the public.
A highlight of the AGM was the presentation of a small gift by Mrs Temperton to retiring Board Member Eric Cross who has been with CTC for 26 years.
“Our Board and Management wish to express our sincere appreciation and best wishes to our long-serving Board Member Eric Cross and his ever-supportive wife Carla in his retirement,” Mr Box said.
“Eric has been an integral member of our Board, providing effective governance from his many community roles and life experiences and his input will surely be missed by Board Members and the greater CTC family.”
