The Bundaberg Region has thrown its support behind the 2022 Mayoral School Chaplaincy Support Breakfast, raising almost $24,000 to go towards the work chaplains do for local students.
School chaplains help to bring hope to the region’s youth through their one-on-one services.
Through positive and supportive relationships they help young people with everyday life matters, as well as the more critical issues like substance abuse, relationship issues, family breakdown, depression and low self-esteem.
Held at the Bundaberg Multiplex this morning the breakfast’s special guest, ex-Broncos player Darius Boyd, spoke about his life after NRL and the mental health struggles he had faced and overcome.
Scripture Union Queensland Field Development Manager for Bundaberg Lisa Hardie said having Darius present for the School Chaplaincy Support Breakfast was a highlight.
“It was so good to listen to Darius and there was a lot of response from men in the audience who really appreciated what he had to say,” she said.
“It was great to not only have him share his story for the young people at the breakfast but also to the men and families.
“We are hoping to work further with him to introduce his workshops in our schools.”
Lisa said community support for the event was overwhelming, with many people donating funds during the breakfast.
From ticket sales to raffles and more, event-goers were willing to give what they could.
“There was about $2500 that came in from the QR code alone, we also sold so many raffle tickets and the donation tins were full,” she said.
“We were pretty much at capacity for how many people we could have seated.
“Just having that constant show of support for chaplaincy is just great.”
Rotary attends School Chaplaincy Support Breakfast
Rotary Club of Bundaberg City Daybreak President Shane Chung said he and other members showed their support by attending the Mayoral School Chaplaincy Support Breakfast.
He said the breakfast was a great opportunity to come together and open the dialogue about mental health and the great work school chaplains do for local youth.
“Chaplains play a hugely important role in helping so many youngsters and in order for that to continue, many of the generous businesses and organisations such as Rotary provide a vital role in ensuring that there is financial support,” he said.
“Events such as this and having speakers like Darius are great as they show youngsters and adults that mental health is an issue that doesn’t discriminate and that it affects everyone, including our idols.
“So if they can see and relate it makes it easier for them to have the confidence to talk about it too and help us to tackle an issue that’s often swept under the carpet but affects so many people around us.”
The 2022 Mayoral School Chaplaincy Support Breakfast was a joint initiative of Bundaberg Regional Council and Scripture Union Queensland.
I look forward to the same level of support being thrown behind the secular support workers that will now be able to also be hired to go into schools to assist students.