QLD Parliament Petition

MVCAPet Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc is a “charitable, not for profit” organisation, run solely by Volunteers.  There are no paid staff.  The Centre is run by a Management Committee of 10 volunteers from various backgrounds i.e. Finance, Defence, Nursing, Social Work, Local Government and Administration.  There are 35 volunteers who support the Centre by doing jobs such as garden maintenance, administration, cleaning, assisting in the Op Shop, sorting, food preparation, building maintenance etc. MVCA Inc is registered with the A.T.O. & Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission as a charitable, not for profit entity. Our target group are all residents living within the 4553 postcode area. Our aim is to promote health & wellbeing, by offering the community a welcoming, non-discriminatory, inclusive, pro-active community hub, where people can come together for activities, education or social interaction. Everyone works for the benefit of the Mooloolah community and the positive flow-on effects are felt throughout the “4553” postcode area.     In 2009, one of our volunteers, Dot Page had the idea of opening a community Op Shop. From small beginnings the little shop has blossomed and grown into the “Best Op Shop on the Sunshine Coast.  People travel from far and wide to pick up a bargain.  The proceeds from the Op Shop are channelled back into community programs & services i.e. MVCC offers disadvantaged families at Mooloolah State School, new uniforms & books at no cost. We support Mooloolah State School Library Fund, the school Chappy program, the Endeavour Foundation (overseas missions) the Mooloolah Pool (as the auspicing body), Mooloolah Craft Group, Neo Natal Ward at Nambour General Hospital (new premmie baby clothes) Sippy Creek Animal Shelter (blankets & toys) The community can access free internet at the Centre to check jobsites, write & print job applications, access their Centrelink accounts.     Through our Welfare program, we support families, who through no fault of their own, find themselves in difficult circumstances i.e. loss of jobs, family breakdown, ill health etc.  We provide food vouchers from the local IGA supermarket, petrol vouchers to assist those travelling to medical appointments, Centrelink interviews etc. If the request is outside the scope of our programs, referrals are made to other services/organisations best able to assist the families.  All funds for the Welfare programs are raised via the community Op Shop revenue. The Op Shop is managed on a daily basis by a volunteer Day Manager, who reports directly to the Management Committee. We have also made monetary contributions to the Salvation Army Australia for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal (Tents) and to the Queensland Country Women’s Association, for Drought Relief in Western Queensland.  We were able to offer assistance to local families affected by the floods in 2012. MVCC assists residents of Diamond Valley Lodge with free clothing.     MVCC holds a monthly community bar-b-que on the 1st Friday of each month.  Meals cost $2.00 per plate.  Families enjoy a night out with their children for little financial outlay.  The Centre covers the costs of the event.  Again, our volunteers oversee this popular monthly event. No one is turned away due to financial stress.  The kids love the large expanse of grass behind the Centre to run, play freely & safely, under the watchful eyes of their community.     At Christmas, we hold a large community Christmas Party, complete with Santa, gifts, jumping castle, music etc.  Last Christmas 250 people enjoyed the event at little cost to each family. This event is supported by the Sunshine Coast Council through their Festive Grants Program. The Garden Club at the rear of the Centre is open to all locals who wish to “have a go” at gardening.  Children from the Kindy & the Mooloolah State School are encouraged to participate in gardening activities on a regular basis.  The social aspect also attracts people to come down to the garden, even just for a chat and a cuppa.   MVCC actively supports the local businesses/tradesmen in the area & on the coast by purchasing all consumables/services locally, where possible. MVCA Inc. supports & values our Volunteer team, by a demonstrated appreciation of their skills & talents.  We hold 3 x volunteer lunches per year, as a “Thank You”, and hold regular meetings to listen to their ideas & plan for the long term future of the Centre.   The Volunteers at our Centre form lasting friendships & social networks with other groups/residents Volunteering assists in alleviating social isolation & loneliness, especially for older residents. The skillset of each Volunteer is appreciated and utilised, making people feel appreciated and valued members of their community.   MVCC welcomes all people dropping in for a cuppa & a chat under the large old tree in the Centre garden.  

The current Management Committee:

Alan O’Callaghan – President

Bernie Verwayen OAM. JP (Qual) – Vice president

Anita Verwayen – Secretary

Natalie Pettingill – Treasurer

Lesley Jerman – Committee

Jennifer Le Patourel – Committee

Graham Kellow – Committee

Jennifer Maxwell – Committee

Liz Gassner – Committee

Dianne Held – Committee

Annual Membership of the Association is:  $5.00 for per person

  Our e-petition to the Queensland Government: : http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2563   Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the Mooloolah Valley Community Centre, located at 43 Bray Rd, Mooloolah Valley (land which is owned by Education Queensland), has been operational at the premises for seven-and-a-half-years on a short-term lease. The uncertainty of its future means the Committee feel they are unable to expand their programs and services, and deal with assets on the ground.   Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to allow the Education Minister to authorise either the gifting of land to the Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc., in order to continue the valuable community services from the Mooloolah Valley Community Centre, or grant a long-term lease (50-99 year) which would allow for capital works to be carried out in the future.   If the petition is successful, it will mean the security of the Mooloolah Valley Community Centre will be maintained for future generations to enjoy.   PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION   The Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc. is proudly supported by: