Ipswich region hosts Australia Day family fun day
Ipswich region hosts Australia Day family fun day
31 January 2017
The Bundamba team won the six-a-side cricket competition at Salvos Ipswich Regional Australia Day family fun day last week.
More than 850 people attended the inaugural Salvation Army Australia Day Family Fun Day at Riverview Farm, south-west of Brisbane, on 26 January.
“We were hoping for a turnout of 500, so we were really pleased to have so many come and make this a great community event,” said Major Ben Johnson, Bundamba Corps Officer. “Everyone had a lot of fun and many were surprised at just how beautiful this farm and local area is.”
The fun day was held to raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s work in the Ipswich Region, to bring the community together and to provide an event that all locals could enjoy. Funds for the Red Shield Appeal (RSA) were also raised.
Chris Hall, chairman of the Ipswich RSA, initiated and drove the organisation of the fun day. The Bundamba and Ipswich Corps, together with Soundpoint – The Salvation Army and Sony Foundation Youth and Community Centre at Goodna, with the City of Ipswich, supported the event.
The Streetlevel coffee van attracted many customers at the family fun day.
Rides, local entertainment, live music, market stalls, food, a petting zoo and the Streetlevel Mission coffee van gave the community plenty to enjoy throughout the day. Information on local Salvation Army programs, an information desk and a place for prayer, were also available.
One of the day’s highlights was a six-a-side cricket competition, with four teams competing – Brisbane Streetlevel Mission, Paynter Dixon, and two local teams. The Bundamba team, which includes refugees and asylum seekers who play regularly with the team in other competitions, took out the trophy!
The Ipswich Knights Football Club (soccer), ran a penalty shootout competition, on an inflatable soccer field, which attracted the crowds (see above photo).
“Australia Day is a good opportunity to connect with people in the local area and bring the community together,” said Major Johnson. “We can reach across many demographics and engage with the business community, sporting groups, and those most disadvantaged in our areas. It was good to see different expressions of The Salvation Army come together on the fun day and to see such fruitful outcomes with community members engaging with our activities.”
A local couple, who attended the fun day, attended Bundamba Corps for this first time this past Sunday. “A lot of people took information from our SAGALA stand at the fun day, so it will be interesting to see if anyone comes to our group from that as well,” said Major Johnson.
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