During November, the Bribie Island Croquet Club held their annual Community Club Challenge, a day on which organisations and businesses from across the district are invited to participate in the not too serious social events and field a team to play in the afternoon competition. Croquet Club committee member Jan Rees told me that this year, there were a total of eighteen teams competing with Bribie Island Rotary Club being declared the winner at the end of play.
Featured Image(above): Jan Rees (L) of the Bribie Island Croquet Club presented a $2,000 cheque to Neighbourhood Centre Manager Cecelia Taylor
Those who attended the event had the opportunity to pick up a bargain from the “Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It” stall and try their luck with a few tickets in the raffles as well as satisfy their hunger with a snack from the sausage sizzle. The club had made the decision to donate all money that was raised from the day’s proceedings to the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre and this has resulted in Neighbourhood Centre Manager Cecelia Taylor being presented with a cheque for $2,000 recently.
On receiving the cheque from Jan Rees, Cecelia pointed out that the extra funds could not have come at a better time. ‘We are running very low on the funding that we rely on to provide emergency relief to people who are at risk,’ Cecelia said. The Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre is arguably one of the most pro-active organisations which provide assistance to those who are doing it tough within the area. The diverse range of services provided at the centre include personal and family counselling, food packages, debt relief counselling and various courses during the year.
They also offer access to Centrelink and a legal service. The volunteers at the centre take pride in what they do and go out of their way to ensure that all who walk through the doors are made to feel welcome. Situated at 9 Verdoni Street in Bellara, the Bribie Island and District Neighbourhood Centre is open each weekday other than Friday from 9 am until 3 pm. Anyone who wishes to enquire about what is available at the centre or about becoming a volunteer is welcome to either call in for a chat or phone them on 3408 8440.