by Stewart Medland

COVID-19 has had far reaching affects, with ongoing challenges faced by many. Understandably, the focus has been to protect the  community with strict guidelines and regulations. Local not for profit clubs and organisations have complied with the immediate closure of their facilities and cancellation of group activities.  

But this has left many in difficult situations regarding membership numbers, ongoing costs and uncertainty surrounding future reopening.  

Woombye Snakes F.C.

Woombye Snakes F.C. President Andy Kinden said the shutdown could barely have come at a worse time. 

“We’d only just had sign on and registrations for the new season when the directive was announced to close and suspend all games and training,” he said.

“Water usage, power and maintenance costs still need to be met. With the suspension of games we are not bringing in the revenue associated with match days and club activities. This season the canteen had been tendered out to independent operators so they’ve felt the effect to their hospitality business.

“There’s talk about a late start to the season, running into November but that could pose problems, clashing with summer sports such as Cricket & Surf Club Carnivals.”

Andy and other committee members have been trying to keep everyone at the club informed via their website and facebook page and will continue to oversee operations to ensure footy fans can once again enjoy their sport at the Snakepit.

Palmwoods CWA

The Palmwoods CWA was established in 1934, with their Hall being built in 1937. This is the first time they have been forced to close.  

President Yvonne Dalziel and her team of dedicated volunteers are managing to keep branch members active while continuing to reach out to the community. 

The Welcome To Palmwoods Facebook page features CWA competitions with prizes such as Beeswax Wraps — the environmental alternative to plastic wrap — made from locally-sourced Palmwoods Honey.  

Members are carrying out ongoing maintenance in line with current restrictions: cleaning the hall and tending to the edible veggie garden.  

They are also busily planning for the future, including the 2021 Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show, and continuing with their main focus of supporting the local community.

Poultry Club

Another long standing club that has had to rethink their activities is Nambour & District Poultry Club.

Club Treasurer/Chief Steward Mark Cockroft said changes had been necessary.  

“The club has been around for 37 years with a small dedicated group of enthusiasts that attend the many shows throughout the year," he said. 

“We decided early on to cancel our own annual event at the Nambour Showgrounds. This can attract several hundred people and over 400 birds. 

“We are also very involved in the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show which, of course, has also been cancelled this year. Regular phone calls between the members and other clubs throughout the area have kept some contact going, but for a lot of us it’s the social aspect and sharing of knowledge that we’re missing.”

Unfortunately for all clubs, there are decisions that can’t be made until there are new guidelines regarding group numbers and the reopening of these facilities.