BUSHkids 2017-18 Annual Report

45

Header Friends

Friends of BUSHkids (FoBk) is a network of volunteers based in the communities we serve. The Friends network provides practical support to the organisation, boosting BUSHkids’ profile, promoting our services, raising funds to support our operations and strengthening our position at the heart of the community. FoBk members come from a wide variety of backgrounds: parents whose children have benefited from our services, health professionals who have an interest in rural or children’s health and from local businesses, government, and community organisations.

FoBk events and meetings conducted

Events The NDIS opening was a huge success with our local Federal MP Ken O’Dowd and Mayor Kerry Hayes attending to do the honours. BUSHkids Council Chair Dr Neil Bartels and his wife Annette attended, as well as Council members Julian Martin, Allison McLean, and Bundaberg Cr Judy Peters, plus other local dignitaries. The team at Emerald Mitre10 once again proved their community spirit when Barry Brown presented a cheque for $5,000 to FoBk . Thank you, Barry and Justin! Our popular golf day in early August 2017 fielded over 90 players who teed-off together in the three-man ambrose. A big thank you to all the FoBk members who worked tirelessly preparing before and on the day – with a special thanks to Doug Gray, who again organised the event to precision timing. Thanks to all the sponsors, particularly Enwise Electrical , Westpac , Central Highlands Toyota and Peter Taylor’s Sewing Centre .

FoBk Emerald Our group enjoyed another busy year and members are looking forward to an even bigger 2019, delivering help to our Central Queensland kids. The year started by using our fundraising to the best advantage at the Centre with an outdoor play/activity area and a rejuvenation of our front exterior and landscaping. We contracted Hammertime Constructions (now one of our key supporters) to erect a roof shade structure, and Andrew from Mad About Mowing completed all the landscaping, fencing and artificial grass surface. Andrew also installed our new water tank (courtesy of Central Highlands Regional Counci l) to look after our lawns and gardens. This was all completed in time for the NDIS opening ceremony on 27 July 2017 – thanks to all who made this happen!

In the end, we raised over $20,000 on the day, which eclipsed last year’s total by more than 33%! This year, our volunteers supported the Emerald Centre staff with displays at both the Tony Attwood autism conference and the annual Ag-grow Emerald trade show and also held a fundraiser in Brisbane, as part of the RNA Show Week. 9 Ante Portas , a group of nine ladies which has held an annual fundraising cocktail party for the last 10 years, in 2018 funded the BUSHkids Telehealth Program in Emerald. BUSHkids is keen to expand this program to reach more isolated areas in Central Queensland and beyond. We raised more than $8,000 on the night and the event was a huge success in spreading the word about the good work that BUSHkids is doing in the Bush. Our final 2018 event involved co-ordinating celebrations for a very special 80th anniversary.

This commemorated the opening of the first Bush Children’s Health Scheme home in Emu Park, three years after the Scheme’s foundation in Brisbane. Event guests included the local Member for Keppel, Ms Brittany Lauga, with lots of long-time supporters, committee Chairs and even some past ‘Bush kids’ – who told of their experiences when they came to the home many years ago. The event was held in conjunction with the local Queensland Country Women’s Association ladies who also provided morning tea. (The CWA was instrumental for many years in providing support to the kids when they visited the beach.) And, as usual, Carlton Meyn and Susan Harrison were providing their support from the Brisbane office. Thanks so much! I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Rachel Robertson and her wonderful team for their tireless efforts and support in all our projects. Rachel is a blessing to the Emerald Centre, and the children of Central Queensland are fortunate to have her at BUSHkids. Thank you to my small band of supporters, who are always with us on this journey: particularly Clinton, Ali, Justin, Peggy, Doug, and my wife, Kaye. Charlie Wilson Chair, FoBk Emerald

6