Community preparedness is a priority for the Tamborine Village Lions, with the group securing funding from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) to purchase emergency generators for use during power outages.
The FRRR awarded more than $177,000 to 12 community groups across rural Queensland through its Strengthening Rural Communities grant program.
Tamborine Village Lions received $3,998 to support their initiative to improve local emergency readiness.
The generators will help establish a community hub during power outages, providing residents with a place to rest, recharge phones and keep essential items refrigerated.
They will also ensure the club can maintain its own food supplies by keeping fridges and freezers running.
Committee treasurer Diane Clough said recent natural disasters, including the 2023 tornado and Cyclone Alfred, highlighted the need for better preparation.
“When our area loses power, which is has done over the years, it can be for several days or for several weeks,” she said.
“We’re as disadvantaged as anyone else, but we could actually be a resource to the people in the community with the generators.
“At the moment, our power goes out with their power.”
Committee president Margaret O’Neill said Tamborine Mountain residents can become isolated during severe weather events, making access to resources more difficult.
“It’s a matter of depending on the small amount of infrastructure we have in the village,” she added.
During the 2023 tornado, Tamborine Village Lions stepped in to support residents by providing emergency barbecues.
“We were running barbecues because we had the gas, but it was a case of feeding the community, keeping them in communication and keeping our own food from spoiling,” Margaret said.
The group hope to continue strengthening its support for the community, with plans to further upgrade its facilities, including installing a new security system.
Margaret thanked the FRRR for the opportunity to purchase the generators.
Tamborine Village Lions meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7pm on 2680-2726 Waterford Tamborine Road.
For more information, contact Margaret on 0403 537 573.
