Southern Downs community rally behind Greenlands State School’s legacy trail ride event
Spirits are high at a tiny southern Queensland school, after a change in a decision by local council over the school’s legacy fundraising event.
While community members have expressed their disappointment over Southern Downs Regional Council’s decision not to waive a fee for a rural school’s fundraiser, school spirits remain high.
Councillor Russell Wantling put forward a motion at Wednesday’s meeting to have the temporary event permit fee waived for Greenlands State School’s annual trail ride, with mayor Melissa Hamilton using her discretion to dismiss the motion.
While council had reduced the fee by 50 per cent, the school’s P&C is still out of pocket $800, a significant financial burden for a rural state school.
Ms Hamilton told the Daily News in a statement council has since received further information from Greenlands State School about the size of the event, with the applicable fee significantly lower, council will refund the difference.
“We value our strong relationship with Greenlands P&C. The organisers have expressed their appreciation for Council’s support and said they look forward to welcoming us at the event,” she said.
“Fee waivers and reductions are managed by our staff, and Council backed the CEO to work directly with Greenlands P&C to resolve the matter.”
Concerns had been raised about council’s decision to waive the fee for an application made by Granite Belt Art, Ms Hamilton clarified their application was for event sponsorship under council’s community grants program.
“This is a separate process with different criteria and is not comparable to the Greenlands P&C case,” she said.
P&C secretary Mariel Thompson said the school looked forward to another successful event and is close to reaching its target number of rider registrations.
Ms Thompson said the funds raised from the event go towards the school’s resource scheme, which provided every student with any materials necessary for their education.
“It’s something that makes our school standout, our students only to come with a uniform and their lunch box and we provide everything else,” she said.
“We want to ease the financial burden on families where we can and provide an opportunity for all students to attend school camp.”
The annual trail ride is open to riders of all ages and abilities, with three separate tracks including a peewee track for less experienced riders, a novice track and an open track for more experienced riders.
Fundraising aside, the event also bolsters community engagement and mental health, particularly in male riders.
“We’re really proud of our legacy event and appreciate the continued support from community and council,” Ms Thompson said.
The event will be held at 314 Nundubbermere Rd, with camping sites available with access to showers and other amenities.
Registrations are open until the day of the event, with numbers capped at 550.
Register here.
