December 11, 2024
The Red Earth Community Foundation looked back on the past 12 months – and gazed into a “refreshed” future – at its recent “Red Report” annual event, held this year in Wondai.
The annual get-together is an opportunity for members of the community to chat to Red Earth Board members and learn more about the projects which have been organised – or auspiced – by the not-for-profit group over the past year.
Guest speakers included Cherbourg councillor Gordon Wragge, who spoke about Cherbourg’s Youth Justice Service, and South Burnett councillors Ros Heit and Deb Dennien.
Board members Donna Digby, Scott McLennan, Andrew Zerner, Belinda Wake and Liz Beavis explained some of Red Earth’s activities, including its partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal; the “Disaster Resilient: Future Ready” program and the auspicing of the South Burnett Mental Health Golf Challenge.
A highlight of the evening, held at Dimities Cottage Café, was the announcement of the successful applicants for the 2025 Red Earth Community Leadership Program (RECLP): Jessica Geysing, Nick Newman, Amanda Turner, Kyle Seng, Sarah Kent, Katie Zerner, Natalie Quinn, Hailey Heness, Marcela Martinez Yarce, Elizabeth Scholtz, Adam McCracken, Lavina Turner, Amanda Luani, Maddie Pitstock, Margie Hams, Tim McAleer, Aidan Wilkinson, Christopher Sarquis, Justin Maddock, Emma Turaganivalu, Fritz Kutzer, Macey Roberts, Zoe Painter, Sonia McMahon and Nick Holliday.
Four alumni of the leadership program – Matt McCauley, Amanda Woodward, Amy Wicks and Kirstie Schumacher (who also compered the night) – shared their experiences about doing the course and how it had transformed their lives.
The leadership program, which has now had 220 people pass through its ranks, will be getting a “refresh” in 2025.
Jo Eady, from RuralScope, will be taking over as lead facilitator.
She said there was something very special about communities which were open to having conversations, open to sharing and where people were willing to listen, be heard and be understood.
Jo said the leadership program had been described to her as “heart-full” and hopeful, and she pledged that would continue.
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