There has been much made of the NSW and QLD drought and efforts by all Australians to raise funds to support those most in need. We mostly hear about drought relief in the form of stock feed being trucked west and see photos of starving cattle and sheep. But drought has far wider reaching effects on communities than suffering livestock. Stanthorpe Rotary, through the combined efforts of ourselves, Lions, Zonta and Stanthorpe Ag Society raised $16 000 which has been forwarded to the Rotary District 9630 Appeal. District 9630 is the district just to our north and encompasses some of Brisbane and Toowoomba, then heads west through Roma, Mitchell, St George and Charleville. It is to these areas that the money has been directed in the form of vouchers for use in local business and family days where the community can come together to support each other and promote mental health and well-being for those who are suffering. 

 

For more information on how District 9630 is distributing funds click here.

It was a balmy spring night in the park, filled with happy, smiling faces and amazing costumes. Even the parents got into the mood with dressing up! I am, of course referring to Spooky Walk 2018! We have had many positive responses passed on from families who attended, so it looks like we are achieving our primary aim of providing a fun, safe event for families to enjoy together. At this early stage we estimate about 450 children attended with accompanying parents (about 300 last year!) and have made several thousand dollars profit.