MARBURG and District Residents Association was named as the Community Group of the Year at the Ipswich City Councils Australia Day Awards.
The Association was established in May 1975 when a group of residents from the Marburg district gathered to form a local group with a vision to improve the lives of residents.
As a result of the Queensland National Bank building becoming vacant, it was decided by the group to raise money to buy the building to establish a community centre.
The current group has continued this work and in more recent years has acquired an adjacent building to provide a bigger venue for events.
It is commonly called the Green Shed where activities such as tai chi, pilates, yoga and art classes take place.
A Street Library was installed by the group, beside a sulky and a fibre glass horse which was donated by the Marburg Pacing Society in the shed which was originally where the bank manager’s car was housed.
Association President Barry Gratton said that in the Marburg area, local networks and a supportive community are valuable assets and he is proud of the Marburg heritage.
“As President of the Association I was pleased to represent our community’s achievements and it is deeply satisfying to be recognised as a community group which has achieved so much,” he said.
“The result of our community commitment is a reason to recognise the members of our association and what they have achieved.
Since its inception, the Association has organised and hosted events such as Anzac Day, Music in the Park, the Black Snake Creek Festival and art activities.
“The improvement of our community centre has been successful through grants, donations and in-kind work by our members.
“We have also raised money for people in times of need and have worked to make Marburg a day tourist destination with a laid-back lifestyle. Winning the Friendliest Town Award is evidence of the success of the direction we have taken.
“If I had to advise other communities, I would say keep it simple, take your community with you, think big, take small steps, but most importantly act now.”
