After many years of saving, fund raising and hard work, our Society’s dream of building a ‘home’ to hold our meetings, store our equipment and hold orchid displays has finally come true. The building is on the Bribie Recreational Reserve at 156 First Avenue, Bribie Island. This will make the day to day running of our Society so much easier as our library, show display equipment and all our needs will now be located in one venue. Apart from the meeting room, there will be an area which will allow members to meet with folk who need assistance in learning how to pot up plants etc. Potting mediums, fertilisers, pots, hangers and all the items required for growing healthy orchids will be on hand.
It has been a long process from start to get to our home finally built as the Society was involved in the consultation with the Caboolture Shire Council when the Master Plan was developed for the Bribie Island Recreation Reserve and also through the amalgamation of the Councils and Secretary Lynnette Hauck said it would not have been possible without the constant support of Cr Gary Parsons and the Staff in the various Council departments. “They were so helpful, supportive and very patient,” she said. Apart from staging shows, holding raffles and other fund raisers, the Society received funding from various State and Local Government grants and businesses throughout the Bribie Island region. Society Patron Carryn Sullivan MP has also contributed to achieving this goal and is thrilled for the members.
Many of the members who served on the Committees throughout the years but are no longer able to attend the meetings will be thrilled to see their efforts finally rewarded and we look forward to holding an “Open Day” soon to show off our new home. Our first meeting was held for the Cultural Meeting on Tuesday 24th August 2010 with members and guests enjoying the facility and all believe that all the years hard work has been worthwhile. We still have to finish the inside completely but this is well underway. The building will be available for hire to local community groups as there is quite a shortage of suitable venues on the island.
The Committee and Members would like to thank Wolfgang Muller from Tuff-Span Pty Ltd, Clinton Taylor of CT Coastal Constructions, Builder Doug Drew, Luke Durbidge Plumber, Michael Crocker Electrician and Brian English Engineer and all the other folk who have contributed in so many ways to make their dream come true. A final big thank you also goes to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and Moreton Bay Regional Council who are proud supporters of our project.
