After 50+ years, the Beerwah Charity Sports and Spring Carnival has finally come to the end of the line with Committee members left with no option but to shut down the much-loved community run event.
Despite ongoing pleas to the community in recent years and attempts to engage additional volunteers and support for the aging committee, not one new person attended the final call on May 24 to determine a probable future for the event.
Management committee members said that it was with a heavy heart that they were left with no other alternative but to end the 52-year association with the Beerwah Sportsground and local community as of May 31, 2023.
Outgoing President Bruce Page who has been involved since 1971, said he felt it was a sad day for the community but acknowledged that without new volunteers and the issue compounded by recent changes to management of the Beerwah Sportsground; to continue would have been difficult.
He said the secret to success of long running events like the Beerwah Charity Sports Day had always been the active involvement of the community, and a strong sense of community ownership, purpose and camaraderie. “Whenever you see something like this event that has proven to be so successful for so many years – it all comes down to the community working together,” Bruce said.
“Although it is sad to have to call time on the even, we are proud that as a committee we achieved a great deal for our community and that we raised a lot of money for a great cause.
“It was wonderful to be part of such a rewarding event for so many years and see our community come together. It was hard work, but we all enjoyed it and made a lot of good friends.
“The community pride, fun and fellowship that came from these annual events was incredible.”
Bruce said while it was a difficult decision to end the event and disband the committee, he sincerely hoped that down the track something will emerge again to take its place.
“Apart from the huge contribution to cancer research and patient support, the Beerwah Charity Sports reflected community spirit at its best,” he said.
“We hope people enjoyed the event as much as we did and maybe one day, the community will decide to reinstate a Beerwah show or event for the future.”