JourneyOnline
EIGHTY PEOPLE came together in the heart of outback Queensland for the Nebine Community Centre Fundraising Cricket Match on 24 September.
The Centre, located 190km west of Mitchell in southwest Queensland, is a vital social hub for people living in remote and
often isolated locations across the region.
The annual cricket match was held to raise funds for Frontier Services, which provides critical support to people living in remote Australia.
Amanda Bowen, who helped organise the event, said they decided to raise money for Frontier Services because the
organisation had touched so many people in the region.
“Sometimes living out here, it can feel like there is no one that really cares about you but when you get a visit from Frontier
Services it just brightens up your day,” Ms Bowen said.
The Nebine region experienced drought for 10 years until 2009 and then last year was struck by flooding.
“Frontier Services provided a lot of support during the drought and the flood.
“They were there to support people through the emotional damage as well.
It was having someone to talk to, not always about what happened, just about other things.
You actually felt like there was someone who cared.”
On the day, members of the Morven, Mitchell and Injune Cricket Clubs battled it out on the cricket pitch with two games played.
Outstanding play came from Sam Moore and Ned Whip from Morven with 36 not out and Brad Cameron from Injune/Nebine with 44 runs.
Best bowler was Mick Jukes from Morven with three wickets for six runs.
About 40 children took part in a host of fun educational activities coordinated by the Frontier Services Remote Area Families Service (RAFS), based out of Charleville, with some bright and very artistic face painting.
Two local musicians Maggie Burey and Nathan Moody entertained the crowd well into the night and there was a jumping
castle for the children.
The Nebine Community Centre is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers.
It has three tennis courts, a cricket pitch, library and playground.
“The centre is the social and recreational hub for many local rural families,” said Ms Bowen.
“You can become so wrapped up in what’s happening at your place that you forget about what else is happening.
It is a good opportunity to find out what else is going on.”
Ms Bowen also thanked the numerous sponsors.
“Hopefully we will see you all again next year,” she said.
Frontier Services provides a number of services to people living in the Nebine region including RAFS, Remote Family Care Service, the Burke and Wills Patrol Ministry, In Home Care, the Bollon Bush Nursing Centre and Outback Links.
Photo : Maggie Caskey enjoys the face painting. Photo by Kirsty Cox, Paisley Passion Photography
