Queensland’s community clubs are again swinging behind those impacted by the state’s severe weather with not only a $75,000 donation but also an offer to enjoy a cold brew and a bite with friends in the Herbert River.
The support from Clubs Queensland kicks off with the donation collected from community clubs across Queensland. The donation will be handed to the
Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre at a dedicated event for the local community at Herbert River RSL on Friday 28 February from 2pm.
Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said Operation Clubs Care: Have a Beer with Us was initiated by community clubs, including Brothers Rugby League Townsville and Cowboys Leagues Club, and a selected fraternity of RSL and Services clubs wanting to help after floods devastated the North.
“Our clubs only exist because of our communities, so they want to return the favour and provide that support to communities in times of need,” Mr Egan said.
“These severe weather events are not new for North Queenslanders but that doesn’t mean anyone is immune to their devastating effects. It is just heartening to know that when the chips are down, community clubs will rally around one another to help them get back on their feet.”
Herbert River RSL Manager Kerryn Brock said Friday afternoon’s free community event provided the community with a chance to take a breath and relax.
“No one has been able to come up for air yet,” Ms Brock said. “This event will be a way for people to come together, have conversation, enjoys some drinks and nibblies and present this incredible fundraising amount to the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.
“It’s extremely important to make sure the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre has the finances to keep supporting those in our community that do need that help right now.”
Ms Brock said community support extended beyond the sizeable donation to networking with fellow community clubs to see where assistance was needed.
“We put the call out to see where we could help and we’re working with those clubs, such as the Dancers’ Academy, who now need things like a microwave and urn,” Ms Brock said.
“I know the surf lifesavers have been helping out too, going around with their all-terrain vehicle to help people in their homes.”
Mr Egan said this initiative followed last year’s Clubs Queensland’s Operation ClubsCare initiative when $260,000 was raised by community clubs, keen to help those impacted by summer’s torrential rain and severe storms from Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast.
Mr Egan said some clubs had also provided support outside of the $75,000 combined donation.
“This is what good communities do, and it’s been on show across these last few weeks,” Mr Egan said.
“When news spread about Herbert River Crushers Rugby League Football Club losing their canteen and other equipment including lawnmowers, it was fellow footy club Brothers Townsville who chipped in to help them get back on track ahead of the 2025 season.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said: “I am overwhelmed by this most generous gesture of support from Clubs Queensland. This significant donation to our Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre will enable a great deal of support to be shared among the most needy in our community.”
About Operation Clubs Care: Have a Beer on Us:
When: 2pm-5pm on Friday 28 February
Where: Herbert River RSL, 4 Hawkins Street, Ingham
There are no bookings or tickets required for this event.
Drinks and nibblies available thanks to Lion / XXXX and Clubs Queensland.
By the numbers:
- There are more than 1200 community clubs in Queensland
- There is a combined 4.1 million memberships within these clubs.
- Clubs employ more than 34,000 people
- Clubs return more than $549 million in community contributions
- Clubs generate annual economic activity valued at more than $2.5 billion for the State’s economy.
