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General News

25 November, 2019

Proud history of supporting the community

FOR more than 20 years, Mareeba Leagues Club has been the heart and soul of the community, not just as a social hub but also providing thousands of dollars to local organisations.

By Rhys Thomas

Proud history of supporting the community - feature photo

FOR more than 20 years, Mareeba Leagues Club has been the heart and soul of the community, not just as a social hub but also providing thousands of dollars to local organisations.

Everyone from the Men’s Shed to the local country music club has benefitted from the club’s community spirit.

That support continued recently when Mareeba Leagues Club donated $10,000 to the Qld Drought Appeal through the local QCWA.

“It wasn’t a hard decision by the board of directors to support the Drought Appeal,” Mareeba Leagues Club CEO, Lucy Connor, said.

“Mareeba is not as badly affected by drought as many areas but locals have a strong connection with people on the land because of our location, so it is very close to the heart of many people.”

Mrs Connor said the club was well known and respected for its community support, with the latest donation bringing the total for the past 18 months to an impressive $212,380.

“I think it’s fair to say it would be hard to think of a local group which hasn’t benefitted from the club’s generosity in some way over the years,” she said.

“But it’s more than just money, as we provide a lot of in-kind support. Many local groups use our facilities to operate or meet – from the local Lions and Rotary clubs to the Tablelands Music
Club, which all use our facilities free of charge.

“We have been major sponsor of the Mareeba Rugby League Club for many years and also financially support local kayaking, cricket, basketball and golf clubs, as well as local horse racing.

“Our club is a big supporter of The Great Wheelbarrow Race, which is held each year between Mareeba and Chillagoe, and has sponsored numerous teams since its inception.”

Mareeba United Football Club, the Baron River Challenge and the Palma For A Farmer appeal have also been supported by the club, along with the iconic Mareeba Rodeo.

The Mareeba Men’s Shed has been given donations, as well as project opportunities, and the club is a major supporter of the Mareeba Multicultural Festival that draws thousands of people each year to celebrate the region’s 30-plus cultures.

Local schools use the club’s facilities to train students in hospitality and Mareeba Rotary uses the club’s grounds to teach defensive driving courses to local high school students annually.

Function space and refreshments are regularly donated to hospital, not for profit, mining and farming organisations while charity cent sales are held for the Leukaemia Foundation and other organisations and the club donates food and labour to help boost many local fundraising efforts.

The Cancer Council’s Relay for Life is held biannually, with Mareeba Leagues Club not only a major sponsor but also entering a team to help raise funds.

“Mareeba is a great town, a great community and Mareeba Leagues Club loves being part of it and helping when we can,” Mrs Connor said.

“With the support and patronage of our valued members, the Club plans to continue its contributions for a long time to come.”

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