The communities of Mareeba and Atherton have benefitted immensely from Rotary FNQ Field Days – just ask Stephen Gear and Andrew McCosh.
The two presidents of Mareeba and Atherton Rotary Clubs respectively are full of praise for Field Days and how the money raised helps them fund important community projects.
Mr Gear said money raised from previous Field Days had enabled his club to fund the installation of TVs in patient wards at Mareeba Hospital and a playground for the facility.
“A lot of our money goes back to the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation,” he said.
“We also reinvest money by supporting local community groups and other small Rotary projects like the National Youth Science Forum and the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program.”
Mr Gear said Field Days was his club’s major biennial fundraiser to be able to continue supporting community groups.
“It’s also critical for other not-for-profit groups that provide food on Field Days, like the scouts and soccer club,” he said.
“We give out free sites as well for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), the Black Dog Institute and Queensland Country Women’s Association.”
Mr McCosh said money raised from previous Field Days had enabled his club to help fund the Rocky Creek Igloo restoration project and a multi-purpose facility at Atherton Aerodrome for use by the RFDS, paramedics and aero club members.
The club also donated molasses and hay to bushfire victims in the Gulf back in late 2012 and held a “BLAZE AID” charity ball the following year to raise money for those graziers doing it tough.
Rotary District 9550 Governor Ida Portella said the fact Field Days was being held over three days this year presented an excellent opportunity for both clubs to raise even more money for their worthy causes.
“I’m sure they’ll spend their money wisely and give back to the community through projects that do some good,” she said.
“I think both clubs work really well together and the fact they partner to put on the event is terrific.”
About 18,000 people passed through the gates at Rotary FNQ Field Days in 2015, with all indications pointing to a repeat of that number this year.
Crowd favourites such as the popular Rotary John Deere Tractor Pull and Vintage Static Tractor Display will also make their return.
Mareeba Tyrepower, MSF Sugar and Mareeba Mazda are the major sponsors of Rotary FNQ Field Days 2017.
A biennial event, Rotary FNQ Field Days will be held between Wednesday May 24 and Friday May 26, 2017 at Mareeba’s Kerribee Park.
