Mayor of Barcaldine Regional Council, Rob Chandler, has thanked ‘grey nomad’ volunteers on behalf of the Barcaldine community for volunteering to paint the toilet block at the Lloyd Jones Weir.
“Max Guthrie, Brian Green and Tom Nesbitt are grey nomad visitors who agreed to volunteer and be part of the Barcaldine Grey Nomad Volunteer Project,” Councillor Chandler said. “A number of community projects have been identified by the Grey Nomad Action Group (GNAG) that it is hoped grey nomads coming to our community will be interested in assisting local community groups to complete.”
Located in central west Queensland, Barcaldine township, with a population of 1,500 people, lies at the junction of the Matilda and Capricorn Highways. It is estimated that as many as 15,000 visitors travel through Barcaldine each year, of which 70 per cent are grey nomads, with a number of regulars who stay for two or three months.
The Barcaldine Grey Nomad Volunteer Program is a pilot project that aims to tap into this pool of largely retirees who visit Barcaldine each year. The project is funded through the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush initiative.
The visitors provide Council and community groups with access to a range of skills not usually available within the community. The project benefits the community by encouraging the grey nomads to stay longer, meet local people and become part of the community.
The GNAG is developing a website for the project, where people can register their particular skills or interests. Community groups can then put forward projects and match these to skills available. Minor maintenance works, setting up a community garden and restoration of the local cemetery are just some of the possibilities.
Started last year, the volunteer program has grown this year with the appointment of Douglas Stewart as Program Coordinator. Doug has assisted the GNAG to set up a formal process for volunteers to sign on, ensuring they are covered by insurance, as well as developing an induction manual.
For further information contact Douglas Stewart, Council’s Grey Nomad Project Coordinator, on (07) 4651 5603 or email Douglas_Stewart@barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au
