The Bulldogs’ NRL season may be over but the benefits from its round 21 home game in Bundaberg continue with thousands of dollars raised for groups like the Kepnock Scouts.
The sold-out game was an opportunity for a number of local community groups to get in some much-needed fundraising, including the Kepnock Scouts which collected rubbish after the game, raising $1100.
Kepnock Scouts Chair of the Parent Support Committee Matt Gees said it was a daunting task at first for the small band of volunteers.
“This was one of our biggest clean up exercises where we collected over 1000 aluminum cans and other recyclables and returned Salter Oval to a much better condition by cleaning up rubbish as well as recyclables,” Matt said.
“Our clean-up was done over two days with a dozen people (adults and youth) putting in four hours on the Sunday night and then four adults (including a grandparent) doing another six hours on the Monday.”
He said the Kepnock Scout group was no stranger to fundraising, relying on fundraisers and donations to maintain their home base.
“…our grounds and buildings do cost to maintain. We also have insurance, rates and land rental costs that have to be paid
“The money raised through fundraising activities like the clean-up from the NRL match allows us to ensure that money is set aside for these costly items, but also continues to update and replace worn equipment such as ropes, tents, cooking equipment and offer our members the best possible scouting experience.
“Plus the more fundraising we can do or donations we receive, the more opportunity we have to explore the diverse options of interests that contribute to a young person's physical, mental and emotional growth.”
The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal also benefited from the game, with the Rotary Club of Bundaberg helping to sell raffle tickets on the day, raising $3335 with the funds raised to be used to provide food hampers for families in need during the festive season.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the historic game was a huge success and he looked forward to seeing the relationship between the Bundaberg Region and the Bulldogs grow.
“Salter Oval has successfully hosted its first NRL game played for premiership points,” Mayor Dempsey said
“Anyone who attended or saw the Foxtel broadcast will attest to how wonderful our grounds looked and what a terrific job the entire delivery team did, between Council, the Bulldogs the NRL and the many local organisations that were instrumental in making this happen, including the BRL and local police.
“Not only was this national and international exposure priceless for our region, the many community groups which have also benefited is another great example of what this partnership with the Bulldogs can achieve for our region.”
He said there had been some lessons learnt in the operational delivery of the game and the organising committee would take on the feedback provided and work towards improving and building this event into the future.
