People helping people

Those who volunteer their time in service to others understand that showing support while encouraging people to realise their capabilities is the essence of a strong community.
 
When Brian and Nerida Egan lost their farm outside Dalby in the late ‘90s, they were motivated to help other farming families who were enduring similar hardship brought on by prolonged drought.

Brian says, “We took food out of our own pantry and organised a raffle in a local Dalby pub and that was the start of Aussie Helpers.”

In just four and half years Aussie Helpers has gone on to assist over 1000 farming families, delivering 150 tonne of groceries and up to 700 tonne of stock feed.

Brian says, “All it takes is a vision to help others and if you’re committed to doing something it usually works.”

Prominent community worker Meg Doyle was overwhelmed by the level of generosity shown by the Dalby community while fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Council (QCC) last year.

Meg says, “We raised around $84,000 despite the ongoing drought. That’s pretty good for one small town.”

Meg, herself a cancer survivor, understands first-hand the need to offer support to cancer sufferers and their families.

Local businessman Gary Briggs employed his business skills to help drive the development of the Dalby Wambo Events Centre with a view to improving town facilities.

Gary worked to attract support for the project within the community and says it’s people believing they can make a difference that brings results.

“Once we gained the support of major sponsors people started to say ‘Yes we can’ instead of ‘No we can’t’ and that’s when it all began to go ahead.”

Dalby boasts around 300 volunteer groups delivering a wide range of support services across many sectors.

Consider contributing your time and skill to make a difference and remember that service to your community will probably be the best work you ever do.

To find out more about your local community groups visit www.dalby.info.