Looking for a support service in Miles? At Murilla Community Centre, you name it, they’ve got it.
The Centre, which supports residents in the Western Downs community of Miles, is a thriving hub of resources and social activities.
In 2024 the Centre received a cash boost, thanks to the efforts of the local Freemasons.
Members of Miles Masonic Lodge have devoted their time to the Centre’s second-hand bookshop this past year, alongside many other volunteers, they would add. They’ve also volunteered their time at the Centre’s Annual Bookfest and Women’s Wellness Day events.
As part of the final year of a two-year Local Community Partnership, through Hand Heart Pocket, Miles Freemasons donated a total of 168 volunteer hours to the Centre. This extraordinary effort qualified them for Matched Giving worth $8,400 from Hand Heart Pocket, along with a second annual partnership contribution of $10,000.
Across the two years, the total value of the partnership was $41,300, all for the benefit the Centre and the broader Miles community.
A significant proportion of these funds have gone towards hampers for local residents who are doing it tough.
Miles Lodge representative Ted Gibbons said he was most proud of the way in which the very few, very elderly Freemasons supported the Centre’s work.
“Our small contribution to the Centre has assisted many, many people. Being able to help makes us feel very humble.”
“There really is a feeling of happiness and enjoyment in the way that the small band of Freemasons have united with the people involved with the Community Centre.”
“This year, due to lack of Members and age, our Lodge participants had reduced to six – ages 99, 89, 86, 82, 80, and 75. Of these, only three were able to join in. The Members also resolved to hand the historic Lodge Building over to the Community Centre for a token sum, in order to support their wonderful work into the future, and continue what the Lodge has been involved in over more than 100 years.”
Hand Heart Pocket CEO Sara Parrott congratulated the Freemasons of Miles for their commitment.
“The Miles Freemasons chose a charity that really means something to them and that speaks to their values. Hand Heart Pocket is proud to have backed them in their local community.” Ms Parrott said.
“Through their partnership with the Murilla Community Centre, they have touched the lives of many local people in a positive way, when people would have been at their most vulnerable”
“Their efforts have shown the community that they really care.”
