Powerful, Inspirational And Emotional - The 2024 Burdekin Chaplaincy Fundraising Breakfast

On the morning of Thursday 13 June, Ayr State High School hosted the Burdekin Chaplaincy Fundraising Breakfast.

Chaplains from each school in the region came together to celebrate the work these amazing people do for the community and its students, with all funds raised re-directed to support the youth of the Burdekin.

The event ran from 7am and encompassed school staff, principals, business owners, and community members from across the community, along with Mayor Dalle Cort. All attendees have supported the Burdekin’s Chaplains over the years, and the breakfast provided a heartwarming environment where their support was thanked.

Brooke Sorbello, the Scripture Union manager for North Queensland, was deeply touched seeing the community come together in support of the young people of the Burdekin at the Burdekin Chaplaincy Fundraising Breakfast and believes the chance to do so was beyond special.

“It was a chance to get these supporters together to say thank you as well as share stories around how their support is helping the young people of the community,” explained Brooke.

The event included guest speakers, one of which being Home Hill High School’s Chappy Jennie Dowie, who has been a celebrated chaplain in the Burdekin for over seventeen years. Chappy Jennie shared her experiences as a chaplain, explaining the important role chaplains have in student’s lives, from running programs in the areas of anger and anxiety management to simply being their friend.

"As a School Chaplain, I focus on prevention and support; helping students find a better way to deal with a range of issues from family breakdown, grief, peer pressure, loneliness, risk of disengagement, substance abuse, depression and anxiety - just to name a few,” expressed Chappy Jennie.

“I aim to provide a non-judgmental, accessible, listening ear and a caring presence for not only for our kids in crisis, but also for those who just need a friend.

“So today I want to thank you for your support of School Chaplaincy.

“I want to thank you because if it wasn’t for people like you, we wouldn’t have the opportunities that we have to support young people who often feel unseen, undervalued, misunderstood and powerless to change the life that they have been dealt with.”

Brooke would like to extend her gratitude to Ronda Williams, the Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee Chair, and for all her organisational efforts to fundraise for the chaplains in the community.

“In the chaplaincy structure, we’re given enough funding to support a chaplain for a day and half, whereas most of the Burdekin’s chaplains are in our schools for four, sometimes five days a week based on the community support,” explained Brooke.

“The presence of these chaplains is really powerful, and the continuity, and consistency makes a really big difference in the work that they can do for the students.”

The morning was emotional, powerful and inspirational, and stood as testament to the Burdekin community’s continued commitment to investing in and supporting the wellbeing and future of its youth.

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