Community News

Wide Bay Australia as a company, together with our Directors, Management and Staff, plays an active part in our local communities.

As a caring corporate citizen, we sponsor and support (where we can) a number of local activities, organisations and events - covering a wide range of sporting, cultural and community interests and endeavours.

We are also the naming rights sponsor for two of Australia's premier events - the exciting power-boat race challenge - the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder and fantastic airshow spectacular – the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow - with funds raised by these events benefiting community organisations.

Queensland Government support for the
2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow

Bundaberg Legacy Inc

Wide Bay Australia was more than proud to announce their continued financial support of $9000 for the Bundaberg Legacy Inc. Bundaberg Legacy continues to improve the quality of life for over 700 widows and dependant young children of veterans killed in action or who have subsequently passed away. Wide Bay Australia is encouraged by the admirable efforts of Bundaberg Legacy who help provide financial support and welfare for our community. Pictured here is Bundaberg Legacy President, Lexie Vowles with Wide Bay Australia's Managing Director, Ron Hancock.

Nicholas Schafer is on a mission!

The 18 year old Queenslander has a goal is to make the Australian senior swimming team for the 2012 and/or 2016 Olympics.

Currently ranked number one in Australia for the 17 & 18 year boys 50, 100 and 200 metre breaststroke - Nick's a real chance!

Nick demonstrated his potential in August 2010 with a Gold Medal win in the 100 metre breaststroke at the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships held in Hawaii.  His time of 1.01.92 was a Junior Pan Pac Championship record.  Nick also placed with a Bronze in the 200 metre breaststroke.

Earlier in the year, Nick broke the 18 year boys Australian record in 100 metre breaststroke at the Youth Olympics in Singapore.   This added to his previous string of successes in junior swimming rankings which he will no doubt add to in 2011.

Wide Bay Australia wishes Nick every success with his endeavours and is pleased to be one of his supporters. 

Nick's proud father is Bill Schafer, Wide Bay Australia's Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary - so our staff will be some of his biggest supporters as he strives to make his dreams a reality!

Pictured here is Nick in action and displaying his Gold Medal for the 100m breaststroke at the Junior Pan Pac Championships.

2010 Mayor's Christmas Appeal

For over 15 years, Wide Bay Australia has been a proud supporter of the annual Mayor's Christmas Appeal. The 2010 Appeal was kicked off in late October on behalf of the Salvation Army & St Vincent's De Paul Society. A massive $20,283.64 was raised to help provide food hampers, vouchers, toys and gifts to help needy people in the Bundaberg Region survive the Christmas period. The generous support of local people, organisations & businesses was much appreciated by many families. Other long term supporters of the Appeal were Bundaberg Regional Council, B'berg Newspaper Company Pty Ltd, Southern Cross Ten, SeaFM 93.1, The Kolan Recorder, Isis Town & Country and the B'berg & District Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured here from left is Wide Bay Australia's Bargara Branch Staff, Rochelle Warhust, Sarita Narayan & Julianne Thomson who participated in the 'Go Christmassy @ Work' day in aid of the Mayor's Christmas Appeal.

Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder

Back in November 2010, the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder event took place for the 11th year. The sound of roaring engines combined with perfect weather drew thousands of spectators to Sandy Hook, Bundaberg to experience the quality filled power boat racing weekend. Wide Bay Australia was proud to support Queensland's biggest power boat racing spectacular by being the principal sponsor for the 10th year! A fantastic $73,000 was also raised for the Leukaemia Foundation by the Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Quest entrants with Natasha Window taking out the 2010 Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder title. Presenting the 'Iron Nuts' Shield & trophies to Winner Troy Marland with his boat 'Madness' & runners up Chris Whalan 'Sacrifice' and Ryan Hall 'Solace' is Wide Bay Australia's Managing Director, Ron Hancock.

Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club

Wide Bay Australia again continued our support of the Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club in 2010. The Club caters for age groups from Under 6 to Under 17, providing skill development and social interaction for all players. Presenting the 'Player of the Year' trophy to Declan Morrissy at the Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League's 2010 Presentation Day is Wide Bay Australia's Hennah Blaszczak, Senior Customer Service Consultant at our local Moranbah Branch.

Townsville Brothers Cricket Club

Wide Bay Australia has proudly supported the Townsville Brothers Cricket Club's 'Sunsafe & Hydration Policy'. Brothers Cricket Club was established in 1958 and has a long & successful history in Townsville of promoting & fostering the sport of cricket. The Club has policies in place to provide all participants, organisers, officials, coaches & spectators with a safe and healthy sports environment. Wide Bay Australia made a donation towards helping the Club provide all players & officials with water, sunscreen and first aid in support of their Sunsafe & Hydration Policy. Pictured here is Brothers Junior Cricket's Under 10 team displaying their sunsafe hats & jerseys.

Gayndah 'Think Pink' 3 Ball Ambrose Charity Golf Day

In October 2010, Wide Bay Australia helped support Gayndah's 'Think Pink' Charity Golf Day held at the Gayndah Golf Club in aid of Breast Cancer Support. Over 102 golfers nominated to play on the day and raised a fantastic $3197.00 which was kindly donated to the Wesley Hospital Kim Walters Choices Program. Pictured here having a hit of golf at the 'Think Pink' Charity Golf Day is 'best dressed team' Katheryn Farry, Emily Amiss and Merron Neilsen.

Wide Bay Australia International Airshow 2011 - Officially Launched!

The 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow was officially launched on Wednesday 08 September 2011 with 'Barnstorming Bundaberg' revealed as the exciting style of aviation for 2011. Barnstorming is the first major form of civil aviation spectacular in the history of flight and the origin of the modern day air show. Barnstorming Bundaberg promises to entertain & enthral the crowd with tricks and stunts like never seen before. Guest speaker at the launch and confirmed act for the 2011 program was Matt Hall, World Class - Australian Red Bull Air Racer. Matt who spends a significant amount of his aerobatic flying working on his high energy display flying is looking forward to performing this new style of "freestyle" flying at the 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow. Pictured here at the launch is Peter Tuffield, Chairman, Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Board, presenting a framed Barnstorming Bundaberg poster personally signed by Matt Hall to Major Naming Rights Sponsor, Wide Bay Australia Ltd's Managing Director, Ron Hancock.

Just4Kids Motortrail 2010

Wide Bay Australia was pleased to help support the 2010 Just4Kids Charity 4WD Motortrail. Pacific Rim Just4Kids is a non profit children's charity for special children and teens under the age of 18 years, who are disadvantaged by any medically recognised ailment, disease or disability and/or are considered to be in need through social or economic circumstances. Just4Kids raise funds through fun, well managed fundraising events which are utilised to help disadvantaged & disabled children. The 2010 Motortrail up to Cape York in August helped raise & distribute thousands of dollars for disadvantaged children along the way. Pictured here with her 4WD vehicle is Joanne Bell, who participated in the 12 day 'Cape York Safari'.

Northern Districts Rugby League

Wide Bay Australia has been a principal sponsor of the Northern Districts Rugby League (NDRL) Wide Bay Australia Premiership & a major sponsor of the Northern Districts Rugby League Referees Association for a number of years. The rugby league competition consists of teams from communities including Gin Gin, Avondale, South Kolan & Miriam Vale. The 2010 Premiership was taken out by the Miriam Vale Magpies after they defeated the Gin Gin Hawkes 38-10 in front of a huge night crowd of more than 1000 people on Saturday 7 August 2010. Presenting the Wide Bay Australia NDRL Premiership Trophy to the winning team’s Captain, Ryan Walker is Wide Bay Australia’s Tarina Larsen.

2010 Australian Bush Poetry Championships

In July this year, Wide Bay Australia supported The 2010 Australian Bush Poetry Championships. The 2010 Championships were a smashing success with organisers even forced to turn away audiences at the event! Held in Bundaberg, the three day event had over 50 participants who had travelled from New Zealand, Victoria through to Townsville & from Charters Towers. The group of entrants were very diverse, ranging from as young as six-year-olds up to an 83-year-old man from Bundaberg. Australian Bush Poets Association president Manfred Vijars said ‘The level of skill & humour shown tells us that bush poetry is in good hands’. Here Dean Collins from Bundaberg presents Kym Eitel from Limestone Creek QLD with her prize as winner of the ‘Bush Lantern Award 2010 Written Competition for Bush Verse’.

Give Me 5 for Kids Appeal 2010

Wide Bay Australia was again proud to sponsor the 2010 SeaFM ‘Give Me 5 for Kids’ Appeal in the Maryborough, Hervey Bay & Bundaberg Region. However this year, Wide Bay also expanded its support to the Mackay Region! The Appeal is a community based fundraiser which is promoted generously for the entire month of June. All funds raised are donated to the Children’s Wards at the local Hospital. Wide Bay Australia acted as a collection point for donations at our Bundaberg, Bargara, Maryborough, Hervey Bay & Mackay Branches along with helping out with a donation of our own. A combined total of over $55,000 was raised in the above regions. Thanks to all who made a contribution towards this fantastic cause! Here at the Bundaberg Cheque Presentation is Sea FM’s Amanda York & Scott Thomas along with Wide Bay Australia Sponsorship Coordinator Marissa Rehbein and staff from the Bundaberg Base Hospital Children’s Ward.

BCI Ride West 1000 Bike Ride

In May 2010, three Bundaberg Businessmen traded their suits for lycra when they participated in the BCI Ride West 1000 Bike Ride, a charity cycle from Brisbane to Longreach in aid of raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. With Wide Bay Australia’s and many other kind donations, the 1100km Bike Ride over 10 days raised in excess of $130,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Each year over 80,000 Queenslanders rely on the Flying Doctors to provide essential health services and is a lifeline to those in need. Here at the final destination of the BCI Ride West 1000 Bike Ride is Bundaberg RBS Morgans Ltd, Karl Brosnan.

Mackay Show

Wide Bay Australia has continued its sponsorship agreement with the Mackay & District Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Association announcing major ‘naming rights’ sponsorship of the annual Mackay Show up unto and including the 2012 Show! The Mackay Show has been a solid community event for over 130 years and continues to provide a vast opportunity for all community groups and individuals to showcase their talents and products.

Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club

Wide Bay Australia was pleased to announce sponsorship of Townsville’s Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s new surfboat. The success of the Picnic Bay SLSC surfboat crews over the past few years has been nothing less than outstanding winning medals every season since 2001 at the North Australian Championships. Recent results for the Club include winning the 2010 Aussie Bum Queensland Country Surfboat Series. Here at the sponsors function in June 2010, from front left to right is Picnic Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s Boat Captain Vic O’Keefe, President George Clarke, Wide Bay Australia’s Senior Customer Service Consultant Louise Moore & Townsville Loan Consultant Robert Frew along with the Open & U23 Women’s Surf Boat Crews.

Centrelink Jobs Expo

In May 2010, Wide Bay Australia jumped on board as an Exhibitor at the Bundaberg & Sunshine Coast ‘Keep Australia Working’ Centrelink Jobs Expos. The initiative began in October 2009 and to date 20 Expos have been conducted from Tasmania through to Cairns. The Jobs Expos are a great way for employers, industry groups, recruitment & training providers and community organisations to connect directly with local job seekers. Over the 20 ‘Keep Australia Working’ Centrelink Jobs Expos nearly 93,000 job seekers have attended, over 1,600 exhibitors have participated and over 8,200 jobs have been filled as a direct result of the expos. Helping out a job seeker with information about employment opportunities within Wide Bay Australia is our Training Department’s Karyn Cox and Management’s Leanne Janke.

Moranbah Workers Squash & Volleyball Association

Wide Bay Australia was pleased to show its support of the Moranbah Workers Squash & Volleyball Association by sponsoring their major event of the calendar year, the annual Open Squash Tournament which was held on the 8th & 9th of May 2010. The Moranbah Workers Squash & Volleyball Association have been a longstanding club that has been apart of the Moranbah Community for 38 years. The Moranbah Squash Tournament is a widely anticipated event throughout regional Queensland and has attracted in the past World, Australian and State ranked players including Commonwealth Games Medalists. Here is Wide Bay Australia’s Moranbah Customer Service Consultant, Hennah Blaszczak with the Tournaments Men’s Open finalists.

Bowls Past Presidents’ Association of Queensland

In April 2010, Wide Bay Australia was delighted to be one of the major sponsors of the Lawn Bowls Past Presidents’ Association of Queensland’s 19th National Friendship Carnival. The Australia wide biennial competition rotates around Australia and 2010 was Queensland’s turn with the Bundaberg Branch chosen to host the event. Over 800 competitors participated in the event, the majority being retirees, which took the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones while enjoying the competitive spirit of Lawn Bowls. Here at the 19th National Friendship Carnival’s Presentation Dinner is Wide Bay Australia’s Marketing Manager, Ray Linderberg in between Bowls Past Presidents’ Association of Queensland’s Carnival Secretary, John Robinson and Carnival Chairman, Charlie Walker.

Mackay Suburban Men’s Bowls Club

Wide Bay Australia continued to proudly support the Mackay Suburban Men’s Bowls Club by sponsoring their 2010 Easter Bowls Carnival. Although the weather proved to be difficult the event was extremely successful with teams this year representing many parts of Queensland including a team from Corrimal in Southern New South Wales. The major prize winners were a local Mackay team with other prizes shared between both local and visiting teams. Presenting the winning team with their prizes is Wide Bay Australia’s Mackay Area Manager, Garth Morgan.

Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group Inc

Wide Bay Australia is a proud supporter of the Fraser Coast Bicycle Users Group (BUG). The Club comprises of approximately 160 cyclists mostly based in Hervey Bay with a smaller group cycling in Maryborough. The Fraser Coast BUG members are active cyclists whom many ride 200kms each week and participate in the Club’s larger activities which include numerous weekend rides. In May 2010 the Club recently conducted the 4th Annual Cardno River to River Family Ride which consisted of 50km on the first day from Burrum Heads to Hervey Bay and a further 50km on the second day from Hervey Bay to River Heads and return. Here members of the Fraser Coast Bug’s display their new cycling jerseys before a ride.

Bundaberg Chinese New Year Celebrations 2010 – Year of the Tiger

In February 2010, Wide Bay Australia continued its support of the annual Chinese New Year Celebration. The Chinese New Year was again a huge success with over 4,000 people attending throughout the afternoon. Entertainment throughout the day included Lion & Dragon Dancing, Chinese Aerial Performers, Mahjong Madness, Arty Brellas, Fireworks, Chinese Music & Dance and Tae Kwon Do Workshops. Here are three Chinese Dancers who entertained the large crowd of visitors at this year’s 2010 Chinese New Year Celebrations.

Bundaberg 14’s Representative No. 2 Netball Team

Wide Bay Australia happily sponsored the Bundaberg 14’s Representative No. 2 Netball Team. As part of the girls’ selection, the team was required to play indoor netball as part of their training leading up to the competition. Here’s the Wide Bay Australia 14’s Representative No 2 Netball Team - Keeley Zillman, Demi Pressler-McHugh, Emma Pressler-McHugh, Rachel Grace Attenborough, Jaydyn Andrews, Emily Turner, Michelle Rekow and Findlay Homes.

2009 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal

We proudly continued our support of the yearly Mayor's Christmas Appeal. The 2009 Appeal was supported by Wide Bay Australia, Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg Newspaper Co., WIN Television, Bundaberg Broadcasters, The Kolan Recorder, Isis Town & Country and the Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce. $18,439 was raised in December, providing vouchers and food hampers for our communities' underprivileged - identified by the Salvation Army, St Vincent's De Paul Society and Childers Neighbourhood Centre. Here wrapping up the 2009 Appeal is WIN Television's Trish Fox, Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce's Ron Bishop, Mayor of Bundaberg Cr Lorraine Pyefinch, Newsmail Editor Christina Ongley, Salvation Army's Don Cook and Phil Sharp, Wide Bay Australia's Marissa Rehbein and Bundaberg Broadcaster's Peter Hurren.

2009 International Day of People with Disability

In December 2009, Wide Bay Australia supported the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) by sponsoring the Bundaberg Region’s 2009 Disability Excel Awards Ceremony. IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. The day seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of the integration of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life, bringing together people with disability, community organisations, businesses, individuals and all levels of government. Here at the 2009 International Day of People with Disability, Bundaberg Region Excel Awards Ceremony are the winners of the ‘Service Provider’ Award - IMPACT Make Your Mark.

Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder

In November 2009 Wide Bay Australia was the principal sponsor for the 9th consecutive year of the Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder - Queensland’s biggest power boat racing spectacular!! Celebrating its’ 10th Anniversary, the event received extra recognition such as being a Top 10 Finalist in RACQ’s “150 MUST-DO’S” in Queensland and winning the regional tourism award for major festivals and events. Pictured here enjoying the racing atmosphere is 2009 Miss Wide Bay Australia Bundy Thunder Quest Coordinator Pat Hooper, Quest winner Amy Clements and from Wide Bay Australia - Quest judge Gayle Job and Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg. All 9 entrants raised a total of $55,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards

Wide Bay Australia was again proud to sponsor the Rio Tinto Alcan Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards. Over 400 art entries were received with more than 450 people attending the 2009 exhibition’s official opening and gala evening awards presentation held at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 7 November 2009. The exhibition concludes 9 December 2009. Presenting the winner of the Wide Bay Australia Local Artist Award, Geoffrey Head, is Wide Bay Australia’s Loans Consultant for the Gladstone Region, Linda Sendall.

Redlynch State College Family Festival

Held late October 2009, Wide Bay Australia was proud to support the Redlynch State College Family Festival by sponsoring their very popular fireworks display. The 2009 Family Festival was a huge success, raising over $35,000 to help contribute towards providing the school with resources and equipment. Activities included a monster raffle, billie carts, amusement rides, photo competition, business showcases and many craft, plant, cakes, lucky dips, face painting stalls with live dance, gymnastic and martial arts entertainment. Handing out information at the Wide Bay Australia Business Showcase is Senior Customer Service Consultant Bronwyn Brunsdon and Customer Service Consultant Sheryll Graham from our Redlynch Cairns branch.

Noosa Regional Gallery Travelling Scholarship

Wide Bay Australia was proud to support this year’s Noosa Regional Gallery ‘Art in Nature’ Travelling Scholarship. The scholarship was established to support the career development of professional and emergent artists/designers in the Sunshine Coast area. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s South-East Qld Regional Manager, Janelle Walsh, with Tertiary Award winner Gerry Stacey and her “Art in Nature III” collage and digital imagery on board.

Bundaberg Netball Association

In August 2009, Wide Bay Australia continued sponsorship of the Bundaberg Netball Association's Nipper Break Up Day. The Nipper Movement for the 2009 netball season saw a steady number of participants from 7 to 11 years of age. Presenting a trophy to Bronco's Under-10 player, Jamie Burgess is Wide Bay Australia's Sponsorship Coordinator, Marissa Rehbein.

Gold Coast Marlins
Winter Cricket Club

During the Winter Season, Wide Bay Australia was proud to sponsor the Gold Coast Marlins Winter Cricket Club's Under 15 team. The team consisted mainly of members of Gold Coast representative sides and Junior Clubs from the The Winter Warehouse Competition was open to nominated teams from all areas including teams from South East Queensland with finals in early August. Pictured here (l-r) is the team BACK: Nathan Plane, Sam Joseph (Vice-Cptn), Marco Kroon (Cptn), Bradley Plunkett, Clayton Nelmes. MIDDLE: Adrian Gerard, Madison Bland, Zac Gayfer, Mackenzie Barclay. FRONT: Elliot Baker, Jackson Batch, Joshua Oates

Northern Districts Rugby League

Wide Bay Australia was again proud to support the Northern Districts Rugby League (NDRL) Wide Bay Australia Premiership in the 2008-2009 season and was also a major sponsor of the NDRL Referees Association. The comp consists of teams from communities including Gin Gin, Avondale, South Kolan and Miriam Vale. The Premiership was won by the Gin Gin Hawkes when they defeated the Avondale Tigers 18-14 on Sunday 23 August. This victory delivered the Gin Gin Township its first NDRL title in 29 years to the delight of a huge home crowd! Presenting the Wide Bay Australia NDRL Premiership Trophy to the winning team’s Captain/Coach, Nigel Shield is Wide Bay Australia’s Marketing Manager, Ray Linderberg and NDRL’s Secretary, Wendy Frawley.

Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club

Wide Bay Australia is proud to sponsor the Moranbah Miners Junior Rugby League Football Club. Players for the season include age groups from Under 6 to Under 17. Pictured here at the Club's Sponsors Day are Wide Bay Australia's Moranbah branch staff, Fiona Perriman and Jodi Mills. Players presented “thank you” gifts to all Sponsors and it was a great chance for the players and sponsors to interact.

Wide Bay Australia International Airshow

In July 2009, Wide Bay Australia were proud naming rights sponsor of the 2009 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow. The 3-day spectacular event was held at the Bundaberg Airport and attracted aviation fans from all over the world. The Airshow is now recognised as the largest general aviation airshow in Australia for recreational and sport aircraft exhibitors. Profit from the community event were donated to selected aviation charities, such as Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Angel Flight and AGL Action Rescue Helicopter. Pictured enjoying the variety of Aerobatic performers are Chairman of the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Board, Peter Tuffield and Wide Bay Australia's Marketing Manager, Ray Linderberg.

Give Me 5 for Kids Appeal 2009

The Noosa Longweekend Festival

Gympie Contract Bridge Club

In April 2009, Wide Bay Australia sponsored the Gympie Contract Bridge Club's 2009 'Pairs & Teams' Congress. The Gympie Bridge Club started in 1968 and holds many congresses during the year in which all members and visitors are welcome. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Senior Customer Service Consultant, Maree Barriball from our Centro Gympie branch with 2009 winners Ken Dawson, Adrian Mayers, Steve Brookes and Verna Brookes.

Bundaberg Squash Centre

In February 2009, Wide Bay Australia was again happy to sponsor the Bundaberg Squash Centre's Wide Bay Australia Bundaberg Team Titles. The weekend competition was a great success with more than 150 players competing from all squash clubs throughout Southeast and Central Queensland. Pictured here with the President of the Bundaberg Squash Club, Kathleen Dimes, are the Wide Bay Australia Teams Titles Club Champion Shield winners, Captain Darren Dunnett and Tania Hebbard of Gladstone's Mens and Ladies squash teams.

The Lions Club of Emu Park's Festival of the Wind

Wide Bay Australia was proud to sponsor The Lions Club of Emu Park's very popular 'Festival of the Wind'. Lions Clubs around Australia take an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of a community on a non-political, non-sectarian basis. The 2009 'Festival of the Wind' attracted many people from the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast communities. Activities during the day included the flying of all types of kites, various beach games and the finale fireworks. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia Staff Kayleen Rabnott, Melina Hentschel, Jane Constantinou, Sue James & Anita Wakefield under the Wide Bay Australia Marquee at the 'Festival of the Wind'.

Bargara Veteran Golfers' Association

Recently Wide Bay Australia sponsored the Bargara Veteran Golfers' Association's 2009 March Classic. Held at the beachside Bargara Golf Club, the event attracted almost 100 visitors. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Marissa Rehbein presenting a trophy to George McHugh of the Yeppoon Golf Club at the March Classic presentation afternoon.

Bundaberg Chinese New Year Celebrations 2009 - Year of the Ox

Wide Bay Australia again supported the annual Bundaberg Chinese New Year Celebrations by sponsoring the Wide Bay Australia Chinese Silk Ensemble. The Chinese New Year Festival was entering its 4th year in February drawing a large crowd to join in the celebrations. Entertainment included Nanning Chinese & Mariposa Dancers, Chinese Lion Dancing, Martial Art displays along with market stalls and fantastic Chinese cuisine. Pictured here is the Wide Bay Australia Chinese Silk Ensemble taking to the stage.

Lake Ellen Heritage Hub

Both the corporate and private community of Bundaberg, rallied together to provide a community playground, meeting place, bicycle safety training and bicycle course in the 'Lake Ellen' area last year. The facility remains a lasting memorial to the early pioneers of the Bundaberg Region. Large displays at the site tell visitors of the contribution to Bundaberg these people from various nations that make up the current diverse cultural community that is now the Bundaberg District. Wide Bay Australia was happy to financially support one of the largest community projects undertaken in Bundaberg. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia's Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg with the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Steering Committee's Chairman Ken Wilson at the Grand Opening of the Lake Ellen Heritage Hub on 13 December 2008.

2008 Mayor's Christmas Appeal

Wide Bay Australia was a proud supporter of this year's Mayor's Christmas Appeal. The Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul joined the Bundaberg News-mail, Wide Bay Australia, the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce and Bundaberg Regional Council to raise money for vouchers and food hampers to assist needy families in the Bundaberg Region this Christmas. Wide Bay Australia helped out with a donation and was also a collection point for donations at our branches in Bundaberg and Bargara. A total of $16,324.17 was successfully raised! A big 'thankyou' to all who contributed. Pictured here is News-mail's Wayne Tomkins, Wide Bay Australia's Ray Linderberg, News-mail's Claire Maike, Cr Lorraine Pyefinch Mayor of Bundaberg, Salvation Army's Don Cook & Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce's Trish Mears.

Bundaberg Legacy Inc

In September 2008, Wide Bay Australia announced financial support of $9000 for the Bundaberg Legacy Inc. Bundaberg Legacy is a voluntary organisation of ex-servicemen and women who provide welfare and financial support for over 730 widows and children of comrades killed in action or who have subsequently died. Wide Bay Australia is very pleased to help Bundaberg Legacy achieve their goals that benefit many individuals in our community. Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s Marketing Manager Ray Linderberg who presented the cheque to Bundaberg Legacy President Legatee Mick George at the Bundaberg Legacy’s 60th Anniversary Charity Dinner.

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival

Wide Bay Australia provided travel subsidy support to assist schools in overcoming the financial burden of transport for their students to the 2008 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival in July. Playing host to some of Australia’s biggest literary names for three days of hands-on workshops, book talks and performances, it’s the largest literary festival in North Queensland and over 1500 students attended as a direct result of the Wide Bay Australia travel subsidy. Enjoying some books by authors attending the 2008 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival are Slade Point School students, Chiara Myers, Jayden Cebulski, Brody Oliver and Chloe Clark, with Wide Bay Australia’s Mackay Area Manager Garth Morgan and Whitsunday Voices Festival coordinator Ellen Reiner.

Give Me 5 for Kids Appeal

Wide Bay Australia was a proud sponsor and supporter of this year’s SeaFM ‘Give Me 5 for Kids’ Appeal – a community based fundraiser where all funds are donated to the Children’s Wards at the Bundaberg & Fraser Coast Hospitals. Wide Bay Australia helped out with a donation and was also a collection point for donations at our branches in Bundaberg, Bargara, Maryborough and Hervey Bay. A big ‘thankyou’ to all our customers who contributed! Pictured here is Wide Bay Australia’s Marissa Rehbein with Michelle and Eliana Cavanaugh, together with ‘Chappy’ and Liana from SeaFM at the Bundaberg Hospital Children’s Ward.

Mackay Show

In May 2008, Wide Bay Australia announced major ‘naming rights’ sponsorship of the annual Mackay Show – one of the biggest events on the city’s social calendar. This year’s Show – organised by the Mackay & District Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Association – continues a 129 year tradition which fosters community spirit and provides a fantastic opportunity for community groups and individuals to showcase their talents and products.
Pictured - the Police were popular with the kids at the 2008 Wide Bay Australia Mackay Show held in June!

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Inc

In March 2008, Wide Bay Australia continued on from Mackay Permanent as a major sponsor of the Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club. The club was established eight years ago as the Northern Beaches of Mackay experienced rapid population growth and Eimeo Beach became increasingly popular. Wide Bay Australia's support enabled the club to maintain the Inflatable Rescue Boat to a high standard and purchase two nipper boards allowing nippers to be more competitive at their carnivals. Pictured here are some Eimeo SLSC nippers with their two new nipper boards.

Mackay Flood Relief Appeal

In February 2008, Wide Bay Australia branches acted as collection points for the Mackay Flood Relief Appeal being organised by the Mackay City Council and the Mackay Foundation. The Appeal assisted those worst effected by the February ‘one in 200 year’ flooding and ensured that funds raised stayed in the Mackay community. In excess of $350,000 was raised and distributed by local assessment community charity representatives and the Red Cross.