By Kerri Cryer
In line with the DFV Prevention Network Champions team’s work at Council, I was recently asked (along with Network Champion Drift) to attend Rotary Club Boonah’s DFV Prevention Evening for advocacy of cultural change towards domestic and family violence.
Speaking alongside the incredible retired Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson was a great honour indeed.
Dave Harmon, with wife Robbie, of Rotary Club of Ballina, presented on their initiatives for awareness, including the hugely supported ‘March Against DFV’ and ‘Purple Friday’, greatly embraced by their township where almost everyone wears a purple shirt on Friday, noted there has been a significant increase in awareness through their Rotary Club supported program indicated by the number of incidents reported in Ballina.
Over the past month, I have attended not one but three QCWA AGMs at CWA Wonglepong (101th year), CWA Beaudesert (99th year), and CWA Tamborine (second year – still a baby!).
I had the privilege of speaking to a range of reports such as the President’s, International, and the Country Kitchens (no financial thank goodness!).
Each report highlighted the incredible amount of volunteer hours each branch has undertaken in activities for their communities.
Warm and welcoming, CWAs help to support women and their families across our region.
Another group focused on uplifting community spirit made the traditional announcement of the Beaudesert Show Ambassadors for 2026, where I had the great honour, alongside our State Member Jon Krause MP, of making a presentation to a winner.
In preparation for the upcoming 129th Beaudesert Show, I would like to make special mention of the Fine Art & Creative Art (Craft) Pavilion who are calling for Art Entries, including for their newly created Children’s Craft section, and the Miniature Sculpture class sponsored by BADCAP – $200 in prizemoney!
Entries can be obtained from the Beaudesert Show office or online.
Other community group events I recently attended were: Tamborine Trivia Night – always fun; TM Emergency Services Open Day – a great chance to talk to the teams of the various agencies who help keep us safe in times of disaster and everyday emergencies; Scenic Rim Regional Cadets Dine In Night – building and instilling great confidence in our youths; and Rose & Thorne’s Fundraiser for Mental Health – this time about travelling a sibling’s medical journey.
Volunteering was the name of the game at the newly established Scenic Rim Toy Library where it was amazing to meet Carla and the team with an incredible 200+ toys on hand for families to enjoy.
Some ‘big toys’ will be on display at the Tamborine Car Show, hosted by the Tamborine & District Citizens Association Inc on Sunday August 23, it will be a ‘revved up’ treat to attend!
I am so proud to be part of the team at Council to help support various community groups – because community is definitely where connections are made!
