Looking to encourage South East Queensland residents to come together and share their bright ideas for improving the local community, Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is running its incredibly successful Campaign for Change competition again in 2014.
To be officially launched at the State Library of Queensland on Saturday, May 3, WMB is aiming to build on the success of its 2012 inaugural competition which saw more than 80 ideas submitted for creating a brighter, more unified community.
A unique competition that gives residents in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan and the Gold Coast the chance to win a $40,000 kick-start to get their concept for enriching the community off the ground, WMB’s Executive Director Geoff Batkin says he’s looking forward to seeing the entries in this year’s competition.
“We were overwhelmed by the response we received when we launched Campaign for Change in 2012,” he said. “It worked to inspire a new wave of community kindness and wellbeing. We really want to build on that further in this year’s campaign and to try and fill the many unmet needs that are facing our local community on a daily basis.”
Mr Batkin continues stating it’s all about highlighting the capability and positive change residents can make if they unite and take action against the issues facing their community.
“Campaign for Change is about motivating residents to make a difference, whether that is offering support services for disadvantaged youths, running a community clean up or providing initiatives to help reduce the stigmas around mental illness,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be a massive project; it could be something small that changes the community for the better. Any and every idea is welcome.”
Winners of Campaign for Change’s 2012 competition, Kath Coory and Tina Graham are just two examples of how everyday Queenslanders can make a big difference to their local community if given the financial backing and support they need.
Thanks to winning the competition, they were able to launch their concept, BestLife Sleepovers in 2013, a service that provides children with disabilities the opportunity to experience a sleep over and to form friendships, while giving their parents a brief break.
“It’s a different, unique kind of respite that you don’t get anywhere else,” explained Co-Founder Ms Coory. “It aims to help give children living with a disability independence and the chance to create networks and friendships. More than that though, it strives to give families a sense of hope, to give them the idea that maybe their child could be independent, and even be part of a community.”
Ms Coory continued saying that her dream would never have been realised if not for the support that she received from WMB, which she believes has been absolutely invaluable, not just in providing funding but also in educating her on how to run a community program. “I think if you’re passionate about an idea that you think is going to change lives then Campaign for Change can be the catalyst to help you to deliver those changes,” she said.
To celebrate the launch of Campaign for Change, WMB will be holding an event on Saturday, May 3, where it will strive to literally light up the community by encouraging residents to connect in a vibrant visual display that will officially open the competition.
Previous winners and finalists will also be in attendance to share their ideas for changing the local community and to inspire Brisbane residents to get involved in Campaign for Change 2014 and to make a difference.
Kids will also have the opportunity to witness and take part in the ‘Magic of Change’ magic show and meet Nova Boy from Nova Radio Station. Entries for Campaign for Change will open on May 1 and close on June 13, with the winner receiving $30,000 from WMB’s campaign partners PBS Building, tailored support from WMB and a short course from Foresters Community Finance. Two runners-up will receive $5,000 from campaign partners PBS Building and enrolment into a short course focusing on starting a social enterprise, sponsored by Foresters Community Finance.
For more information on Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Campaign for Change, please visit www.wmb.org.au
Media Enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014
Time: 10am to 11am
Where: The Studio – The State Library of Queensland
Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Bank
Brisbane, Queensland, 4101
Who: Open to Brisbane residents of all ages
Cost: Free
Notes to Editors:
About Wesley Mission Brisbane
Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB) is a not for profit organisation that has been helping Queenslanders for over 100 years. WMB is a leading provider of innovative and responsive aged care, child care and community service programs that support those in need.
As part of WMB’s ongoing commitment to assisting and improving the Brisbane community, WMB has developed the Campaign for Change initiative, which for the first time, gives Brisbane residents the funding and support services they need to get their programs for improving their local community off the ground.
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