On 2 December 2011, the Straddie Sand Mining Community Fund (the Fund) was officially launched. This was in response to suggestions made at the Straddie Community Forum, that a financial entity should be established to secure the long-term strength of our community.
As an integral part of the Straddie community, and as the Island’s largest employer, Sibelco Australia has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to establish the Fund. While the Fund is new, sand mining’s contribution to the Island’s community is not. Ever since sand mining first began on Stradbroke Island 45 years ago, the operators have been investing in important social infrastructure and facilities, as well as providing strong and stable employment opportunities. From helping fund the One Mile Pontoon to the Island Vibe Festival, enhancing our community’s quality of life has always been a central responsibility of sand mining.
But it’s not just about looking at the past. Established from proceeds of the Island’s sand mining operations, the Fund is the largest community investment ever made in the history of the Bay Islands. Funds will support our dedicated volunteer organisations, build much needed social infrastructure and ensure sustainable coexistence with the natural environment on North Stradbroke Island.
The Fund is administered by the Advisory Board, made up of an Executive Chairperson and six members of the Stradbroke community. Two members each from Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout help to ensure the diversity of the Island’s community. The Advisory Board has the large task of working with Sibelco Australia to decide how this funding commitment will be spent within the Straddie community. It is hoped the Advisory Board will develop into a vital forum for discussing and tackling challenges facing the whole Island.
The Board’s work is guided by the following charter:
- Enhancing the quality of life for all members of the Island’s vibrant community
- Supporting the work of existing and future community organisations
- Promoting living sustainably alongside the Island’s diverse wilderness and marine ecosystems
- Facilitating the creation of stable employment opportunities on the Island
- Promoting the unique culture and identity of the Quandamooka people.
Ultimately, the Fund will reflect the hopes and aspirations of all Islanders. We invite you to share your ideas, no matter how big or small, with the members of the Board. They’d love to hear from you. Our spirited volunteer organisations are the backbone of the Stradbroke community and would benefit by partnering with the Fund. These organisations are encouraged to connect with us to help ensure a sustainable future for the Stradbroke community.
Working together, we can achieve great things for the next generation of Islanders.