High tea fundraiser blooms in the drought

Chaplaincy fundraisers are as diverse as the regions our chappies serve in. For the Local Chaplaincy Committee in Clermont, in Central Queensland, they’ve taken fundraising to a whole new…

Chaplaincy fundraisers are as diverse as the regions our chappies serve in. For the Local Chaplaincy Committee in Clermont, in Central Queensland, they’ve taken fundraising to a whole new level of classiness – high tea style.

More than just tea, the 120 women who attended the event late last year were treated to a three-course spread which included finger sandwiches, delicate desserts, fruit galore and some delicious cheese platters.

But beyond the pretty window dressing of this elegant affair, these 120 big-hearted guests gathered together for a much greater cause than raising one’s pinky-finger while drinking from a cup – they were there to raise awareness and funds to promote positive mental health in the local primary and high schools.

In a revamped hall, with elongated tables decorated with teacups, saucers and roses, the women enjoyed a fashion parade showcasing clothes from local stores, and listened to an inspirational guest speaker talk about normalising vulnerable conversations in every-day life.

Helen Farrell has been a school chaplain for seven years, and says she has watched the conversation around mental health in Clermont shift in recent years.

“Our women especially, are concerned about mental health because we have the mines close by and their husbands are away working while the drought is still continuing. Being out in the bush also means you have to drive four hours to the closest facility, which is difficult,” says Chappy Helen.

“I think society is beginning to understand that children are affected by trauma and recognising that it’s really important. If you ask any chaplain, they’ll say mental health and resilience in kids are two of the biggest issues, because of the way our society is with fragmented families and hardship.”

Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, the Clermont Local Chaplaincy Committee (LCC) were able to raise $3,502.64, which will be used to run positive mental health programs.

LCC Chair Bec Allen-Ankins, together with the committee, worked tirelessly to ensure that the fundraiser was a success, and is excited to see their town embrace mental health programs through the funding.

“Mental health is a massive issue in this area, and I too have a personal connection with these struggles. Looking at our schools, mental health structured programs is what we’re lacking – the kind where kids are guided through regular learning and discussion sessions as a group, and are supported with books and resources to aid learning and implementation,” says Bec.

“I’m confident these programs will make a big difference in our schools, and that’s all thanks to the money raised from our generous women and local businesses.”

It’s true that events like this don’t happen without careful planning, and Bec was kind enough to share some of her pearls of wisdom.

Bec’s Top Five Tips to running a Successful Event:

1. Connection, connection, connection – remember events are all about people! The effort you put into building relationships with both your sponsors and your community will make a big difference to how the event goes.
2. Plan as far in advance as you can – Get the big details confirmed early (dates, venues etc.) and it will save you from many unnecessary stressful moments down the track.
3. Get small jobs done as early as you can – Remember that small things add up and take up more time than you’d expect.
4. Delegate to the right people for the job – People with the right skills will do it twice as fast, and probably to a better standard, so it’s important to know everyone’s strengths and allow them to work in that area.
5. Don’t be afraid to create awareness – I know social media can seem daunting, but get creative and run competitions to get people talking about your event. You can afford to give away a few free tickets if it means you have 100 people liking and sharing your event.

Posted: 11/08/2020

Chaplaincy celebrated in Sarina

It’s nice when hard work is recognised, especially when it’s work done for a good cause. The efforts to promote chaplaincy in Mackay have been recognised by Sarina Community…

It’s nice when hard work is recognised, especially when it’s work done for a good cause.

The efforts to promote chaplaincy in Mackay have been recognised by Sarina Community Bank® Branch, Bendigo Bank who recently awarded the local School Chaplaincy District with the inaugural Community Impact Award. The award recognises  organisations that are making a significant difference in the community.

Rod and Raylene Ballard, long-time community members, and joint-chairs of the Local Chaplaincy Committee, are deeply invested in growing chaplaincy in their region and were pleasantly surprised for their team of chaplaincy supporters to be recognised.

“Sarina Community Bank® sees us as a group which interacts widely with the community in both our fundraising and our service. Our chaplains do such a great job in the schools supporting young people, so that doesn’t go unnoticed either,” says Rod.

“One of the benefits to this award is that you receive that little bit of extra exposure in the community. We’ve worked pretty hard over the years to help people understand what chaplaincy is, and how it helps young people.

“I’d just say, we don’t do what we do to get awards, because that’s not what it’s about. It’s all about the kids. When it all boils down, we’re just an ordinary group of people doing the best we can to help those who need it.”

Chair of Sarina Community Bank® Branch, Karen May, explains how the Community Bank® model works, and emphasises the importance of chaplaincy in the Sarina district.

“The benefit of the Community Bank®  is that we are able to invest profits locally. With 50% of the profits available to the local company, Sarina Community Bank® Branch is able to invest in various community programs and initiatives. This means that when local people bank with Sarina Community Bank®, funds are able to be invested straight back into the community.”

“We have had a longstanding relationship supporting Sarina District School Chaplaincy for up to $6,000 each year because chaplaincy is a centerpiece in our community. By running a smooth transition to high school program, chaplains become the go-to person for our young people who are going through a difficult time.”

This generous support has enabled Rod, Raylene and their team to help chaplaincy flourish in our region. You too can empower communities to support the work of chaplains by visiting www.suqld.org.au/donate.

Posted: 26/09/2019

Join the adventure! Journey for Hope 2019

Calling all adventurers!  SU QLD is taking fundraising and community building to new heights with our Journey for Hope – Larapinta Trek 2019! The Larapinta Trail is regarded as one…

Calling all adventurers!  SU QLD is taking fundraising and community building to new heights with our Journey for Hope – Larapinta Trek 2019!

The Larapinta Trail is regarded as one of Australia’s premier walking tracks. From the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the peak of Mount Sonder, the trail stretches 223km along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges.  Above all, you will be helping to raise funds for SU QLD to bring hope to children and young people.

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Posted: 23/08/2018

Steadfast givers are now receivers too

Long-time SU QLD supporter, Phil Henley, principal of Steadfast Realty Qld is now making it more cost-effective to sell your home, while also building into the lives of children and…

Long-time SU QLD supporter, Phil Henley, principal of Steadfast Realty Qld is now making it more cost-effective to sell your home, while also building into the lives of children and young people.

You may recall, Phil’s generous offer to donate 50% of the commission paid to Steadfast (after advertising costs) from the sale of your home to SU QLD and school chaplaincy. As attractive as that was, unless selling an investment property, the deal didn’t include a tax deduction. Now it does. (more…)

Posted: 18/01/2017

Eric Bailey is helping children find their A-Game

Eric Bailey’s sensational story needs to be read to be believed. Born in the US, Eric was abandoned by his biological parents, before being adopted by a caring and…

Eric Bailey’s sensational story needs to be read to be believed.

Born in the US, Eric was abandoned by his biological parents, before being adopted by a caring and supportive Christian couple. But that was just the first of many phenomenal life experiences that would shape his life.

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Posted: 11/07/2016

Banaam Indigenous Program – Connecting With Culture

We are excited to tell you about a new relationship that has been established with Banaam. Banaam is an organisation that exists to empower all Australians through cultural intelligence….

We are excited to tell you about a new relationship that has been established with Banaam.

Banaam is an organisation that exists to empower all Australians through cultural intelligence. They do this through leadership, personal and professional development, and cultural education.

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Posted: 17/06/2016

A renewed partnership for young people.

RSL (Queensland Branch) and SU QLD share a passion to see our youth supported to reach their full potential. We are happy to announce our continuing partnership for 2016.

RSL (Queensland Branch) and SU QLD share a passion to see our youth supported to reach their full potential.

We are happy to announce our continuing partnership for 2016.

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Posted: 16/05/2016

Backing Our Youth Launch

The new regional school chaplaincy initiative, Backing Our Youth, launched in February and it’s now full steam ahead on this exciting campaign. The Vanderfield team took the chance to…

The new regional school chaplaincy initiative, Backing Our Youth, launched in February and it’s now full steam ahead on this exciting campaign.

The Vanderfield team took the chance to join with Mackay High students to launch its Backing Our Youth (BOY) initiative which will see a percentage from every tractor sold across Queensland, in the next six months, supporting programs and projects that build resilience in young Queenslanders.

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Posted: 13/04/2016

Insurance for a Child’s Future

“I want my kids, and future kids, to have someone to talk to when they are in need,” says Jason. Jason Holmes is the Business Owner and Managing Director…

“I want my kids, and future kids, to have someone to talk to when they are in need,” says Jason.

Jason Holmes is the Business Owner and Managing Director of H2 Insurance Solutions.

Jason began his insurance career with an international broker back in 1995, and over the last 20 years has looked after both commercial and corporate clients.

A family man with a passion for enabling others to further their ministry, Jason has been a proud SU QLD supporter for more than two decades.

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Posted: 13/04/2016

‘Vanderfield’ Backing Our Youth

This year marks the beginning of an exciting new fundraiser for regional school chaplaincy programs, in the inaugural Backing Our Youth campaign. This is a chance to raise the…

This year marks the beginning of an exciting new fundraiser for regional school chaplaincy programs, in the inaugural Backing Our Youth campaign.

This is a chance to raise the profile of, and funds for, school chaplaincy across regional Queensland. And it is being led by renowned agricultural machinery business chain, Vanderfield.

Bruce Vandersee, CEO of Vanderfield, has been a long-term supporter of school chaplaincy.

(more…)

Posted: 12/02/2016

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