May at GBCC...

30/4/2024

April and May are always tricky months as they have school holidays and a run of public holidays that makes it feel a little bit like we stop and start - but we are almost into the part of the year with NO more public holidays until October.

Our school holiday program did not disappoint with new venues tried and tested and LOVED.

As we move into May we celebrate all the amazing mothers in our community. We celebrate those who are Mothers, those who will become Mothers and those who have mothers either near, far or watching over them - we celebrate the women who are the glue that keeps the Defence family ticking.

We have a few workshops and courses coming in the next month so make sure you are following the page to secure your spot!

Until next month xx

FROM THE cOORDINATOR

Why do I do what I do ? Each month I cover off what has been amazing and what is coming up - this month I am going to share with you all a little about me - I am doing this because I have felt the LOVE from you all recently in appreciation for the efforts that are put into our events.

Firstly I will point out I DO NOT work alone - I have an amazing team behind me every step of the way from the think tank to the delivery of an event.

I grew up moving around a lot (not even Defence) this meant I easily transitioned to this lifestyle when I married a soldier as I was used to moving every few years and making new friends, I had my own family and continued to re invent myself in each posting I landed in.

Each time I posted and with each additional child I realised the importance of having a community that not only understood your challenges but embraced you even on your tough days, as well as offering a safe place to connect in good and tough times.

Landing in this role 8 years ago gave me the opportunity to bring everything that made me feel supported as I moved around over my lifetime to the Brisbane community.

Each year I strive to bring more, be more, and make sure I can reach more people. Making sure my ideas are friendly on the family budget, accommodating in times of high tempo and welcoming to all those brave enough to step out and meet our amazing community. All the little additional things and special touches are normal in my house, my children are never surprised when the house is filled with "things" we need to get done for the centre - so as I currently sit here with my middle child working on little treats for our upcoming Mother's Day High Tea, he does it happily and I do it knowing that the reason I get to do what I do and call it work is because I have an amazing community who support and commit to all things Team GBCC.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones who gets up every day excited to go to work and bring the magic and meet all the amazing families who call Brisbane home - however long that posting may keep them here, I secretly wish you could all stay forever.

Thanks for always making my job so amazing and easy xx

fROM THE cOMMITTEE

Where does the money come from? As a not-for-profit community centre, we run on a combination of *Grants* + *Fundraising* to deliver our range of programs, activities and facilities to our community. The job of the GBCC committee is to secure the income, plan the budget, track the spending, ensure reporting and compliance, all while giving our members the best possible value for their membership! Luckily we have a great team with a wide range of skills, passion and willingness to grow and learn.
As a Defence community centre, we primarily access two grants that are administered by Defence to a range of community groups across the country. These grants are the "Family Support Funding Program (FSFP)"; for our programs and activities; and the "Community Support Coordination Program (CSCP)" to pay our wondeful, part time coordinator Vonnie. In order to secure these grants, there are a range of application, compliance and financial aspects to demonstrate that we can appropriately manage the money granted to us, and that we are providing a valuable service to the community. This is why we ask for so much feedback from you! :)
Our second source of income is through fundraising and membership fees, that allow us to supplement the grant funds and provide the resources and facilities for the centre. All of the money we raise through sausage sizzles, in-centre purchases like drinks and cookies, and membership fees is entirely re-invested into the centre. Last year, a new coffee machine and the (very cool) Nook play couch. This year, outdoor equipment to add to our resource hire pool. What matters most to us is that we continue to provide what our members find useful and valuable from their community centre.
So, if you have an idea for an activity, an event, a resource or a facility that would enhance the experience for YOUR family.... we'd love to hear it! We have been able to put together some pretty awesome things based on what our members tell us they need, and we love a good challenge!