If you were asked to nominate a club/organisation, team, or individual(s) to receive a sizable amount of someone else’s money and give a succinct reason why them, who would you nominate and what would you write?
Central Queensland polyethylene tank manufacturer, Nu-Tank, recently offered the auction proceeds of a brand new 25000 litre water tank to a worthy cause in a regional Queensland community.
Rural merchandise stores throughout Central Queensland were invited to nominate a local club/organisation, team or individual, and give a brief reason why.
The reasons why, gave an interesting insight of Central Queensland, its size, and people.
One nomination started with, “imagine a classroom twice the size of Victoria.” The nominee was the Parents and Citizens Association of the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE).
They coordinate a bi-annual musical production, which gives every student the opportunity to be part of a full-scale musical production. That is over 100 students spread across outback Queensland, being brought together to rehearse, and ultimately perform live on stage in Longreach. 2024 will be the 11th musical. How amazing is that? When can I get tickets?
Another nominee was also school related, 2 students of Alpha State School, who were fundraising, by doing odd jobs around town, to help towards the costs of travel and uniforms after being selected to attend the Regional Athletics in Longreach, about a 500-kilometre round trip. Hoping to then qualify for the State Championships, being held in Brisbane. That is dedication, to not only put in the training, but offering to do odd jobs to help cover the costs involved.
Talking about dedication to a sport, imagine starting an AFL club in Moranbah, back in 1974. How hard of a sell that would have been in rugby league heartland, to potential players, sponsors, and local Council. The Brisbane Bears (now Lions) did not play their first AFL match till 1987. In 2024 the Moranbah Bulldogs AFL Club celebrate 50 years. Planning is currently underway to fund the anniversary celebrations.
Then there is Sam, who gives a lot of his time, and sometimes money, to keep the Blackwater Boxing Club going. He sees boxing as a way of giving kids a positive start in life, teaching them self-defence, discipline and in building their self-esteem.
Of course, travel to attend sporting fixtures in remote Queensland is just a given. But, hats off to the parents in Lochington, Orion and Rolleston districts that each Thursday night bring their children in to Springsure for swimming training. Learning to swim is essential, but not always easy when the only swimming pool is hour(s) away. The Springsure Swimming Club has around 114 members. In November they take on more, hosting other Central Queensland swimming clubs at their annual carnival, in their not quite 25 metre pool. A busy time ahead for a small, dedicated committee.
The club that was randomly drawn to receive the proceeds of the tank sale ($2500), was the Emerald Horse and Pony Club. Formed in the 1950’s, the club has had its up and downs. Not just with its members going over the jumps. The grounds need aerating and top dressing, the original wood fence replacing, plumbing needs attention, and the list goes on, but so does the club, fundraising, recruiting, training, competing; in the process producing state age champions and more competent riders. Three of their members recently travelling to Millmerran, to successfully compete in the state titles.
Each nomination was a succinct story. The ones mentioned here are just a sample from those Nu-Tank received. A story of vision and persistence; the characters (heroes) of which are typically dedicated volunteer(s), which could have easily said why bother, but persevere despite the challenges.
The characters not mentioned though are the local business owners who support these clubs/organisations, teams, and individual(s) with their endeavour. Most likely including the rural merchandise stores that nominated them.
The businesses you support shape how your town evolves. Which includes the clubs and organisations within the town and the members within the club. A town is more than its buildings and a population figure.
