Month: July 2024

What is the RIGHT help – can we work together to make our community resilient?
Burdekin Life Article - 08.02.24

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The start of 2024 has been a bit of a wild ride for all of us.  We have come out from ex-TC Kirrily with a few dents and, hopefully, many lessons learnt.  The team has noticed some community members needing a little extra support with a variety of concerns:

  • The rising cost of living.
  • Assistance to fill out forms and access much-needed services.
  • Personal Hardship grants following TC Kirrily.
  • Assistance with cleaning up yards/trees following TC Kirrily.
  • Assistance with sandbagging properties in preparation for TC Kirrily.

These are just a few of our community members’ concerns.

Some of the above assistance has been met through Emergency Relief Funding, local community organisations or State organisations such as the State Emergency Service. However, not all assistance can be provided or is eligible to be supplied from these organisations.

On the Burdekin community Facebook group pages, some community-minded individuals offered help for free or a low cost to pick up green waste from yards and footpaths to take to the local transfer stations. To someone who is without transport or is physically unable to do these tasks, this kind of help is invaluable.

The team at the Centre would like to talk to interested people who are keen to establish a Compassionate Community network that can help build support systems with fellow community members.

Compassionate Communities are generally formed to provide community support around death, dying and grief.  We recognise that, as a community, there is still work to do in this area. However, we feel compassion could be extended to other areas of concern for our community. 

This is a call to action – who out there has some ideas and time and would like to impact our community positively?  

The Team – Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Groups are ready to go for 2024
Burdekin Life Article - 01.02.24

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BNC Admin Staff – Susan and Marisa

With the busy Christmas season behind us, many of us are looking to resume interests and social outings.    Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is home to several community groups and activities. 

Our very popular Crochet Group is happening on a Monday afternoon, along with the Mahjong Players of the Burdekin.  Play 2 Learn Playgroup from 54 Reasons has returned on a Thursday morning, we are looking forward to having our local families make use of our playground and facilities.

MoveIT Burdekin has started and will go for the next 16 weeks on a Monday and Friday morning.  This seems to be the hot ticket in town as it was fully booked in three days!  We would be interested to know if community members would like a movement program to continue.

Thursday, February 1st, sees the return of the Burdekin Seniors Computer Group.  This great group of people is determined not to let technology get the best of them. If this sounds like you, we’d love to see you join in; there is lots of learning and laughter together. 😊

Our Dementia Support Group is back on Tuesday, 6th February – they will be having a community information session with Carers Gateway.  Parkinson’s Support Group resumes Feb 23rd.  We urge community members who are living with or caring for someone with Dementia or Parkinson’s to come along and be with people who understand.

Gwen and Angela from our MyTime Program will be welcoming back our families on Wednesday 7th, here at the Neighbourhood Centre.  MyTime is a great supportive program for families with children with a disability.

Did you know that there is a new Dungeon and Dragons campaign happening out of the Centre on a Wednesday evening?  Actually, we have a lot of different social, cultural and support groups that make the Centre their home.  If you are ready to start filling your social calendar, pop in or give us a call at the Centre.

The Team – Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

What is Community Development?
Burdekin Life Article - 25.01.24

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Community Development is many things to many people.  However, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre embodies a system of bringing people together to encourage conversations that lead to actions and solutions determined by the community and not organisations and services.

The team at the Neighbourhood Centre loves to be involved with projects facilitated or actively supported by the Centre, designed with rather than for community members to benefit the whole community or a certain group.

So, what exactly could such projects look like?

Community members could collaborate to assist local community action determined by the community members themselves.  For example, solutions to combat the rising cost of living or social isolation and loneliness.  It could also involve community members initiating a project while the Neighbourhood Centre provides active support and necessary resources.  Some projects are community-led rather than organisation-led, and those that involve the Neighbourhood Centre cooperating with community members, other community groups, or organisations to facilitate community-led projects.

In addition, the Neighbourhood Centre strives to provide opportunities for the community to raise ideas, identify community strengths, identify emerging needs and priorities, and work together to develop local solutions.

Do you have a plan or a dream that could help the people around you, and you want to discuss it with someone?  Come and visit our welcoming team.  Sharing your ideas with others can be a wonderful way to get new opinions and suggestions.  It can also help you spot potential problems or solutions.  Talking about your thoughts can make your relationships stronger, improve your communication abilities, and boost your confidence.

The Team – Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Can you Move It?
Burdekin Life Article - 18.01.24

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Keep yourself fit and healthy by joining the “Move It Burdekin” program, offered by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with Burdekin Shire Council. This program is free and is supported by Move it NQ and NQPHN.

The 15-week program, facilitated by Andrea Piotto, is for people aged 55 years and above and aims to engage the community in physical activity. The sessions will include low-impact movements, Pilates and yoga, and seated exercises and will cater to different levels of fitness and flexibility.

Andrea is a well-known community figure and is passionate about encouraging people to keep active for a healthier lifestyle. She has a lot of experience in health and fitness – she knows how to make movement fun, and you will be in safe hands with her.

As an added bonus, the program provides opportunities to socialise and learn about ways to improve your well-being. After your movement session, you can enjoy refreshments and a chat. We are offering fun challenges along the way and incentives if you complete the full program. 

If you are interested in joining the program, please call the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 47 834243 or visit our friendly team in person to sign up. Remember, you need to commit to the full 15-week program, and the number of sign-ups received will determine if participants are offered sessions once or twice a week.

The Team – Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Do You Have What We Are Looking For?
Burdekin Life Article - 11.01.24

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The Neighbourhood Centre is looking for community members who would like to help us make a positive impact in the Burdekin community.

We need people with skills and experience to help us re-energise our Management Committee and achieve our goals. Don’t worry if you don’t know everything – we welcome people from all walks of life and value different perspectives, as this is what makes us more relevant to the wider community.

We want to collaborate with community members on projects that will bring people together and make our community stronger.  This could be mentoring, group facilitation, or working groups for community consultations.

Our Neighbourhood Centre is a place where people can connect and feel welcome, no matter who they are. We are community-led and are managed by locals who care about their community and want to make a difference. And the most important part of the Centre? You guessed it – the people!

Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experience. It can also help you meet new people, expand your professional networks, and show your commitment to personal growth and community involvement.  It doesn’t hurt that it looks great on a resume!

Maybe the Neighbourhood Centre might not be a right fit for you?  That’s okay. We can help link you with many other local organisations and community groups looking for volunteer members.  The team at the Neighbourhood Centre are all about making the lives of the people of the Burdekin better every day.

So, if you’re looking for a new adventure in 2024, why not talk to us at 40 Chippendale Street, AYR? We’d love to hear from you!

The Team – Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Vice President: Kay Duggan

Kay has been an active member of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1995 when she began volunteering in the Centre's Vacation Care Program. Kay has a background in administration and worked for CSR (now Wilmar). Her love for sports led her to play hockey and squash, and she is a Life Member of the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association (1982) and the Ayr Squash Rackets Association (1981), and she continues to be involved with the juniors in Burdekin hockey. Kay has served as the President of the Burdekin Neighborhood Centre from 2010 - 2024.

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Treasurer: Elvie Dickinson

Elvie Dickinson has been associated with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1993. She served as the first paid Coordinator of the Centre from 1994 to 1998 and has been an active member of the Managing Committee since her retirement. In recognition of her service to the community through the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Elvie was awarded the Centenary Medal for Service by the Queensland Governor General in 2001. Elvie played a key role in establishing the Parkinson's Support Group in Ayr, which meets at the Centre monthly. Since 2001, she has held the position of Treasurer of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

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Cr Fina Vasta

Fina was elected as a counsellor to the Burdekin Shire Council in 2024 and joined our Committee at the same time. She has been employed at the Ayr Police Station in an Administrative role since 1998. She was born and raised in Ayr and has a vast knowledge of the community. She hopes to bring some of that knowledge to the Centre. Fina enjoys walking and cooking.

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Bev Garioch

Since 2008, Bev has been actively involved with Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and has assumed various roles within the Committee over the years. Having garnered a wealth of experience in the retail sector of the district, she has been associated with the family jewellery business for 23 years. Additionally, she has co-owned and operated a Convenience Store. Bev has been a committee member of the Burdekin Basketball Association, Squash, and is currently associated with Lawn Bowls. She has also worked with APEX and volunteered at Meals on Wheels. At our Centre, Bev is a part of the Crochet Group and volunteers her time, sharing her talent and knowledge with others.

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Centre Coordinator: Natalie Saroglia

Natalie has been with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1997, occupying various positions such as Committee Member, Volunteer, Administration Officer, and Coordinator. Initially, a music teacher, Natalie joined the Board as a Youth Advisory member. In 2003, Natalie assumed the role of Coordinator, and since then, she has acquired a Cert IV in Frontline Management and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. Natalie has held several roles in the sector at the local, regional, and state levels. She finds joy in the community engagement aspect of her position at the Centre. Natalie has a keen interest in photography and endeavours to incorporate it into her work wherever possible.

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Finance Administration: Kim Williams

Kim has served as the Finance Administration Officer since 1995. She holds a Diploma in Children's Services and has worked in the Childcare Industry for many years. In addition to her roles as an administrator at the Ayr Community and Home Hill Community Kindergartens, Kim spends four afternoons a week with the kindy cherubs at the Home Hill Kindergarten. Kim enjoys spending time outside of work with her adult children and spoiling her two grandchildren.

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Frontline Administration: Susan Holznagel

Susan has been employed as a Frontline Administration Officer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since January 2014. A lifelong resident of the Burdekin region, Susan's prior administrative experience was acquired while working as a Medical Administrator for a local Doctor's Surgery. Susan’s forte is her warm personality and instinctive empathy when someone is feeling down.

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Frontline Administration: Marisa O’Shea

Marisa has been employed as a Frontline Administration Officer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since August 2021. A lifelong resident of the Burdekin region, Marisa maintains strong ties to the community and is our “go-to” person when working out who is who in the community. Marisa brings an extensive background in administration gained through employment with various financial organisations. Marisa is an excellent organiser and keeps us all on track.

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MyTime Burdekin Coordinator: Gwen Marshall

Gwen has been a part of the MyTime Burdekin Program for 15 years and has recently transitioned to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in October 2022. Prior to this, MyTime Burdekin was under the banner of CPL. A resident of Burdekin for the last 26 years, Gwen is Chappie at a private primary school. In addition to her current role at the Centre, Gwen also works for the Salvation Army.

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MyTime Burdekin Assistant: Angela Williams

Angela joined the MyTime Burdekin program mid 2023 as a Play Assistant.  Angela has four years of experience as a disability support worker. She is a stay-at-home mum and operates a home-baking business, mostly making birthday cakes. Angela enjoys cooking and baking for her family and the community.

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President: Denise Wallace

Denise has been involved with the Centre since 2021 and has held several roles within the Committee. Denise has over 20 years of experience in the Childcare industry, running her own business within the Kids Club Service Industry. 

Born and raised in the Burdekin, she spent several years interstate & intrastate before returning to raise her family here. In her younger years, she was an active Basketball and Hockey player. 

Denise’s life experiences have instilled in her a strong desire to empower the community to find solutions and make every day as fulfilling as possible. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise make her an asset to the organisation. 

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Mary Pattison

Mary was invited to come along to some Board Meetings during 2023 as a potential board member and was so impressed by the volume of activity in the Centre that she stayed and joined the board at the end of 2023. She credits the warm welcome of the amazing people serving on the board to keep the Centre pumping as a plus for her decision.

Mary has enjoyed a 40-year career as a Primary school teacher here in the Burdekin and now takes an active role in many Community groups.  She is President of the Catholic Women's League in Ayr, helps the Burdekin Singers at their productions each year, and runs a community sing-along each week at the Queens Hotel with her friend Sandra.  Mary is a proud supporter of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and is keen to promote any activity within the Centre.

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Leonie Harch

Leonie joined the board in late 2023 after attending several meetings as a potential board member. Leonie has over 30 years’ experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector and has been self-employed for over 13 years in Ayr.

Leonie’s community activities include volunteering on different junior sports groups and P & C’s, along with Vice-President of the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (QCPCA) – Northern Region.

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Patrice Ferguson

Patrice is Burdekin born and bred.  During her working career, Patrice has held a variety of high level local administrative positions.  Patrice holds a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management).  In her personal life, Patrice with her husband Ken, instigated the Eureka Riders Social Club, a local social motor-bike club.  In her leisure time Patrice enjoys getting creative and learning Pottery, Ceramics, Folk Art and Glass Painting.  Since retiring, Patrice is a Volunteer Tourism Adviser at The Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre located on Railway Avenue in Home Hill and The Burdekin Visitor Information Centre located in Plantation Park on the Bruce Highway in Ayr. She looks forward to working with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

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Karen Gilmore

Karen has always lived in the Burdekin region and has been involved in various ports and community volunteer organisations. She has held multiple positions, such as Treasurer of the Burdekin Basketball Association, P&C School Committee member, Relay for Life Committee member, Treasurer of the Catholic Women's League Ayr Branch, and Treasurer of the Catholic Women's League Townsville Diocese.

Karen has had an extensive career in administration and has operated her own cleaning industry business. She loves spending time with her family, travelling, walking her dogs, and swimming in the sea.

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Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre