Bunnings team gives back to community ahead of opening

"We are committed to meaningful and active participation in the communities in which we operate.”

The Kingaroy Bunnings team with some of the Red Ants volunteers in their freshly painted clubhouse. Picture: Kingaroy Bunnings

IN THE lead-up to the store's opening, the team at Bunnings Warehouse Kingaroy have been busy supporting the region's community groups.

In February, the team helped the Kingaroy Red Ants renovate their existing clubhouse kitchenette.

They painted a red feature wall - the club's main colour.

In mid-March, team members hosted an employment training workshop at the Kingaroy Clontarf Academy. There were about 25 students in attendance.

This session contained a mock interview and an interactive workshop, and focused on helping students develop interpersonal skills. They ended the day with a barbecue for the students.

Kingaroy Country Women's Association also received assistance from the Bunnings crew who helped with the clubhouse's refurbishment.

Bunnings Warehouse Kingaroy team members said they were proud to provide on-the-ground support to local organisations.

They particularly enjoyed working with the Kingaroy Clontarf Academy, because of how the organisation plays a key role in the educational development of indigenous children and teenagers.

The academy's director, Michael Brown, explained the aim of the organisation.

"Our role is to get indigenous boys to school, keep them at school through to Year 12 and then help them get a job afterwards through the means of camps, training and early morning runs,” Mr Brown said.

"To do this, we apply behaviour-based learning to help inspire and motivate our students.

"Most recently, this included 90 students returning from an overnight rugby league carnival in Dalby where they learnt important teamwork skills.”

Mr Brown said he was looking forward to a range of upcoming activities for the students that would help keep them engaged and informed well into adulthood.

"This upcoming Anzac Day we will be hosting an overnight event for the boys at the Clontarf Academy, and then rising up early in the morning for the dawn service,” he said.

"It's important we help our students become engaged and motivated both at school and within the wider community.”

Bunnings Warehouse Kingaroy complex manager Chris Carter said his team was always excited to lend a helping hand to community groups.

"We are excited to welcome locals to the new store and continue to support local community groups through help with hands-on projects,” Mr Carter said.

"We are committed to meaningful and active participation in the communities in which we operate.”

The Bunnings team is planning to hold more local fundraising initiatives, community workshops, and fundraising sausage sizzles in the future.