Community Raffle’s Impact Felt Throughout The Region

Within the local Burdekin region, a remarkable journey of community support began in 2012, led by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

The Community Raffle, fully funded by the Rotary Club, includes prize money exceeding $17,000, has emerged as a potent catalyst for positive change.

Over the past decade, it has empowered more than 40 local organizations to collectively raise over $500,000.

In 2012, the Rotary Club of Ayr after much discussion and planning, conceptualized the Community Raffle as a sustainable way to support the many local organisations in need.

Unlike many other community initiatives, the Community Raffle is unique in that it is entirely funded by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

This includes the prize money, which has consistently exceeded $17,000 each year.

This financial commitment from Rotary has been pivotal in allowing the raffle to thrive and grow.

Money to fund this initiative was raised through the yearly production of the Rotary Phone book.

Local community businesses that advertise in this phone book are in fact achieving much more than having their business profiled each year, they are inadvertently contributing to community organisations through the Community Raffle portal.

The Community Raffle's impact is nothing short of transformative.

Over $500,000 has been distributed among more than 40 local organizations, spanning Home Hill, Brandon, Ayr, Giru, Clare, and Jerona.

These funds have breathed new life into schools, community organisations, church groups, and sporting clubs and many other local groups.

Change is a natural part of any long-running community initiative, and the 2012 Community Raffle is no exception.

While this year may see a smaller number of participating organisations, the raffle's ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to its enduring spirit.

Over 8,000 tickets have been distributed, demonstrating that the community's enthusiasm for this initiative remains as strong as ever.

The drawing of this year’s raffle will take place at a venue to be announced on November 11, all participating organisations and community members will be invited to attend the free event as a celebration of another successful year.

Contributed by Narelle Hibberd

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The Rotary Club of Ayr. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Member for Burdekin Dale Last and past Rotary Club of Ayr members Jack Slaney and Robert Antoniazzi who were on the original committee that started the raffle. Photo supplied