Mundingburra’s community spirit raises thousands for not-for-profit organisation

Almost 40 volunteers from the Mundingburra Rotary Club banded together last year to have an accessible and environmentally-friendly house built at Kirwan – with $10,000 of the proceeds generously donated to the Spinal Injuries Association. After months of intensive work, the four-bedroom house in Kirwan’s Willowbank Estate, was auctioned in October last year.

On Thursday (12 JUNE), the Rotarians and 50 local businesses and individuals involved in the noble assignment, will be recognised at the “House Project Thank You” function at the German Australian Club from 6pm.

Mundingburra Rotary Club president Neil Andrews said the project aimed to raise funds to help the local population, while also drawing attention to contemporary themes of environmental sustainability and accessibility.

“Not only is it appropriate the club take the opportunity to formally thank everyone who contributed to the project, it is also very important to honour the commitment of donating funds back into the community,” he said.

Spinal Injuries Association North Queensland Manager Mary Langdon said the generosity and community spirit shown by Mundingburra Rotary Club was admirable and greatly appreciated.

“By working together on such an enormous project, the club has proven what can be achieved with a strong social conscience and selfless work ethic,” she said.

“The Association is sincerely grateful to be chosen as the major beneficiary of the project and will use the funds to continue providing quality services and support to people living with a spinal cord injury in the North Queensland region.”

Formed in 1960, the Spinal Injuries Association provides services and support to the 1,500 Queensland members living with a spinal cord injury, through peer support, equipment loan, health and lifestyle advice, personal assistance, employment support, access advice and advocacy support.

Another integral part of the Association is the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT). In 2008, the 14 Queensland presenters aim to share powerful safety messages with 80,000 children at schools across the state.

The success of the program, which has reached out to more than 1.2 million children in the past 21 years, coincides with Queensland changing from the worst state in the country for spinal cord injuries 10 years ago, to having the second lowest rate today.

Issued 10 June 2008.