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A fundraising breakfast held last week raised $35,000 for Burdekin Chaplains, headlined by a $30,000 donation that surprised even organisers.
The Burdekin Chaplaincy Fundraising Breakfast, hosted annually by the Burdekin Chaplaincy Support Team, welcomed a crowd of around 70 to Ayr State High School grounds on Thursday 4th June to support local chaplaincy over a free breakfast.
Several guest speakers addressed the audience, including Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Chairman Darren West, who was met with a roar of applause as he presented a cheque for $30,000 to the host organisation.
“We know the chaplains have done it tough for funds at times over the years, so we’re pleased to be here today to present this cheque,” Mr West said.
Burdekin Chaplaincy Support Team Co-Chair Kylie Webley said the organisation was “not expecting to receive such a generous donation.”
A number of other contributions made up the $35,000 total, including one from Margaret Thorne of Bluey’s Thrift Shop in Home Hill which was also presented on the morning.
Ayr State School Principal Nikki Schell addressed the breakfast, delivering a gripping speech that used the Burdekin River as a metaphor for the role chaplaincy plays in local schools and communities.
“Just as the river breathes life into our region, chaplaincy breathes life into our schools and into our communities,” Ms Schell said.
“Not life in the physical sense, but life in the things that matter most: hope, belonging, connection, joy. The confidence to keep going when things feel hard, the courage to ask for help, the comfort of knowing that someone cares.”
Scripture Union manager for North Queensland Brooke Sorbello also delivered a speech at the event, while former Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee Chair Ronda Williams was acknowledged for her years of service to the organisation.
Ms Webley said the morning was an important opportunity to bring local chaplaincy to the forefront, calling the community support “invaluable.”
“Without the support, Burdekin Chaplains would not have the same reach across our schools, and our community may not understand the needs and challenges facing our young people today,” she said.
“It’s also important for chaplains to feel supported in their work.”
The Burdekin's seven school chaplains provide social, emotional and pastoral support across 10 local schools, working with students, staff and families.
Their role includes mentoring, wellbeing programs and helping young people navigate challenges ranging from bullying and anxiety to family breakdown.
Funds raised from this year’s breakfast will help keep chaplains at local schools and assist with the needs of students.
Community members seeking more information or ways to become involved are encouraged to contact Kylie or Joanne Ballin of the Burdekin Chaplaincy Support Team at: burdekinlcc@gmail.com.
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