Community Strength Key To Better Days Ahead

The commitments and achievements of local individuals and groups play a key role in offsetting concerns raised due to national and international events according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

While acknowledging that the effects of horrific events will ripple through our community, Mr Last said it is important to take a balanced approach and that there were many positives which, sometimes, didn’t receive the praise they deserved.

“It is very easy for major events to directly impact the way we feel about ourselves and our own community, even when there might not be a direct impact,” Mr Last said.  “There are definite benefits from the accessibility we now have to all forms of media, but there are also negative effects and it’s more important than ever to take a broader view.”

“You don’t have to cast a net too wide or look too far into the past to see examples of locals making a positive impact on our community.  Regardless of whether you look at regular or one-off events, I think it is vitally important that we acknowledge what the people responsible for those events have achieved.”

“In just the last few weeks we have seen events like the Burdekin Water Festival and the Giru Show attract bumper crowds and, without dedicated volunteers, those events simply don’t happen.  We’ve also seen, for example, the Burdekin Community Association celebrate 50 years and that is something that the community should be immensely proud of.”

“Whilst there will always be people who want to cause harm and divide our community, there are so many more people who make a positive contribution and that includes by volunteering.  The positive impact of volunteers cannot be understated, and I am glad to see that there is more support on its way for those volunteers and the organisations, and communities, they help.”

“The Crisafulli government is holding an inquiry into volunteering because we recognise the positive benefits that volunteering offers; but we also recognise there can be challenges.  The fact that over 570 Queenslanders and organisations have made written submissions to the inquiry shows how much we rely on volunteers.”

The Burdekin’s proud history of volunteering was quite well known but, Mr Last said, some types of volunteering may be overlooked.

“Sporting and service clubs and our volunteer emergency services are well known throughout our community, but those groups aren’t the only options for people interested in improving the community,” he said.  “Groups like our chambers of commerce and industry representative groups contribute thousands of hours to our community and, despite their importance, their achievements can be overlooked.”

“While the inquiry will provide solutions to make volunteering more effective, the essential component is people who are prepared to take on voluntary roles and I would encourage all community members to consider volunteering as a contribution to our community.”

“Not only do they achieve so much for our community, they also play a key role in ensuring we can all remain positive about a brighter future for us all.”

Contributed with thanks to Dale Last MP

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