Cr Danita Potter - Community Portfolio Report - 13 December 2017

South Burnett Libraries

Our libraries have been very busy recently with a number of Author Visits:

• Imogine Nix delivered a writer’s workshop on Saturday 18 November 2017.  Imogen is the author of over 40 novels bringing tips and hints of how to write and publish.
• On Wednesday 22 November Scott Whitaker visited the Kingaroy Library with his latest book “Railway Hotels of Queensland”.  This title has a written history of every single railway hotel that stands or once stood in the state.
• Author Tim Borthwick visited the Wondai, Kingaroy and Nanango libraries during November to talk about his newly published book, “Waltzing Australia”.  All attendees thoroughly enjoyed listening to Tim recite the poems along with the stories he told about living life in the outback and how he came to be published by Harper Collins.

As part of the First 5 Forever and Child Health program, a local Community Health nurse has started attending the weekly story time sessions at the Wondai Library.  This will be an ongoing occurrence where parents can bring their children in for a free health check and baby weigh-ins after attending a fun and entertaining story time.

Summer Reading Club & School Holiday Activities are held each year over the summer holidays in partnership with the State Library of Queensland. The Summer Reading Club program connects children, young people and their families in fun, creative and educational ways.  This year's club has already commenced running from 9 December 2017 continuing through until 18 January, with South Burnett Libraries hosting a series of activities, based on the SRC theme "Game on”.  Information about these sessions is available on the libraries’ webpage.

Recently, I was very fortunate to be able to present to our local libraries a book titled “Deakon the dragon is sad”.  Together with local author Karen Russell, I presented six (6) copies of the children’s book” as part of the Partners in Recovery initiative which focuses on improving outcomes for people within the community who experience persistent mental illness. The book covers depression and bullying by sharing Deakon the Dragon’s story of sadness, bullying and isolation with Deakon eventually finding comfort in his family and friends, who encourage him to find happiness once again.  

On the 25 January a representative from Council on the Aging (COTA) will be visiting the Kingaroy and Nanango libraries to deliver an information session for seniors about Enduring Powers of Attorney, which anyone is welcome to attend. This session will give general information to seniors who may need to know more about these processes as they reach the later stages of their life.

Community Grants Program

This month, I was able to celebrate Christmas early with Council’s Regional Arts Development (RADF) Advisory Committee providing an opportunity for myself and the Mayor to thank the committee for their contribution during 2017. 

The next round of funding under the Community Grants Program will open 1 February next year.  I would like to encourage not for profit community groups to start thinking about projects, activities and events for which they would like to apply.

Mayor’s Community Luncheon

The Mayor’s Community Luncheon was a wonderful day.  All community groups that benefitted are very grateful for the toys and food vouchers received.