Peregian gives generously

Rob Frey (QFES), Cr Clare Stewart, Leigh McCready, Duncan Hall-Brown (Verrierdale RFB).

Peregian Family and Friends Inc, Peregian’s residents’ association, has successfully hosted its annual general meeting at Peregian Surf Club.

The event brought together members of the community, local firefighters, and guests to discuss bushfire preparedness and acknowledge the vital role of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and the Rural Fire Brigade (RFB).

Leigh McCready, founder and president, said: “The highlight of the evening was the presence of two courageous local firefighters, Rob Frey, Noosa Station Officer and Duncan Hall-Brown, First Officer at Verrierdale Rural Fire Brigade, Peregian’s closest RFB Branch, who shared their invaluable insights on bushfire preparedness.”

“Both these men were involved during the Peregian 2019 fires, so the information they presented about the crucial role played by QFES and RFB in protecting our community was particularly well-informed. Our aim was to better equip our members and guests to face the challenges posed by bushfires.

“We were also grateful to be updated on the work that Noosa Council has been doing to get the shire ready for summer explained by Mayor Clare Stewart. Cr Stewart detailed the fire reduction burning that has taken place, the increase in budget now allocated to bushfire management and also distributed copies of the just-released manual for residents – also available for download at disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au

The AGM also served as an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions of two local organisations to the community. Peregian Family and Friends Inc proudly presented two generous cheques totalling $35,000 to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice and the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club, proceeds from their recent Spirit of Peregian fundraiser. These donations will support the invaluable work carried out by these organisations in providing care and ensuring the safety of our community members.

Reflecting on the AGM, Leigh McCready shared her vision for the future, saying, “I am incredibly proud of what Peregian Family and Friends Inc has achieved over the past year. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to support our community, and I am confident that we will continue to make a positive impact for residents of Peregian.”

“Our AGM also marked the announcement of the newly elected committee, who will play a vital role in shaping the organisation’s delivery of our five-year strategy. I look forward to working with them.”

The results of the election are:

• President: Leigh McCready.

• Vice president: Graham Reid.

• Vice president: Cheryl Newsom.

• Secretary: Michael Spicer.

• Treasurer: Mike Goss.

• General committee: Bob Joubert, Penny Casey, and Kathy McKenzie.

For further information about Peregian Family and Friends or to become a member, please visit peregianfriends.com or the Peregian Family and Friends Facebook or Instagram pages.