Two events held at Peregian Beach last Saturday raised more than $32,000 for the Rural Fire Service and brought the community together to mark one year since the Peregian fires began in bushland on the afternoon of Monday 9 September, 2019 and caused the evacuation of the region.
The Family Fun Day was organised by Peregian Family & Friends resident’s association, Peregian Surf Life Saving and the Verrierdale Rural Fire Brigade, which was granted permission to attend despite a state-wide ban on community engagement due to the COVID situation in Brisbane.“The Family Fun Day was the first time an event had been held in the popular Peregian Park since March, when COVID forced the halt of regular fortnightly markets, Peregian Nippers fundraising BBQs and monthly Peregian Originals music festivals,” event organiser Leigh McCready said.
“We had a jumping castle, face-painting, live coverage from Sea FM, the Nipper BBQ and fundraising cake stall on a perfect spring day attracted families who came to have fun but also show gratitude to the firefighters who helped save Peregian as the area came under threat from fires last year.”
The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to find out more about volunteering for the Rural Fire Service and Peregian lifesaving.
“On Saturday evening, Peregian Family and Friends hosted a second event which took place upstairs in the Peregian Surf Club building. This fundraising dinner raised over $32,000 for the Verrierdale Rural Fire Brigade, to house the new truck which was on show in Peregian Park earlier that day. It was fantastic to see so many locals out to support the firies,” Leigh said.
“Guest speakers Matt Golinski and Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart spoke of their personal learnings about resilience and adversity while Noosa Fire Station Officer Rob Frey, unable to be there on the night, presented via video a moving account of the night of the fires and the last line of defence the firefighters formed to defend houses, businesses and lives.”Guest of honour at the fundraising event was Pam Murphy, the only Peregian resident to lose her house on the night of the fires. Mrs Murphy’s house is only three weeks away from being completely re-built.
