A HELPING HAND IN A CRISIS
Band of Brothers Qld Inc.
Who are the Band of Brothers?
The Band of Brothers QLD is a registered charity, with volunteers that band together to support our most vulnerable community members.
How we can help
SUPPORT FROM THE BAND OF BROTHERS
Could you join us in helping others?
RESPONDING WITH HELP
HOPE BAGS
We regularly make contact with the ever-growing number pf people experiencing homelessness. At a time of depression and rejection we reach out to them with love, listen to their experiences, and give them a free Hope Bag. The bag contains toiletries and nonperishable items that show we care. At the same time we ensure they are connected to local support networks.
TINY HOMES
We are able to provide crisis accommodation, Currently provision is being delayed due to siting restrictions.
OUR SAFE YARD
A secure place for homeless women and children to park overnight and support in finding accommodation.
CONNECTING COMMUNITY
OUR NEED OF COMMUNITY …
Loneliness and lack of social contact is a common feeling amongst many people. Many can identify their need but have lost the lifeskills to take action.
BUILDING BRIDGES
By providing a neutral venue and a welcoming atmosphere bridges can be made to assist people in finding meaningful relationships.
BUILDING NETWORKS
We deeply value the work of other community groups and want to strengthen relationships and foster encouragement.
COMMUNITY HIVE
PURPOSE in life is often found in helping others. Volunteers need connecting through an ACTIVE strategy to find those in need and providing a secure way of supporting them both.
ENGAGEMENT
Our volunteers will establish a weekly telephone conversation with people who are referred to us by community groups and others. Common ground is established and an avenue found for them to interact with other community groups sharing a common interest. Eg. gardening, model railways, walking for pleasure etc.
MENTAL HEALTH & DISABILITY
We are here to help identify those at risk and connect them to professional help.
Tiny Homes
Our Safe Yard
What is a fulfilling community?
There are many facets of a fulfilling community but no simple definition. It will include:
• A place people like to identify with, that somehow, they belong to and are valued.
• A space where people connect and nurture each other.
• Looking at the strengths we already have rather than being overwhelmed by the problem.
• Using local resources in preference to relying upon outside experts/funding.
• The Community Hive provides a structure to come together to do something rewarding in a new way. It will not be static but changing as our “connectors” lead the way forward.
Can You Be A “Connector”?
• The catalyst for this whole web of collaboration is the community “connectors”. Kindly people who have an awareness of the natural gifts, skills, experience, and potential of people they know and are responsive when they see a person in need.
• You may already be involved in a local community activity in some way and want to share ideas and help others. We want to connect!
ABOUT THE BAND OF BROTHERS
The Band of Brothers began as a group of friends going into our community and responding to homeless and other people in a crisis. We chose the name to reflect the way we need to value each other, and work collaboratively together. To be more effective we became an incorporated association in May 2021 and then in November 2022 registered with the ACNC [DRG Approved].
Membership is inclusive, and open to anyone over 18 years of age irrespective of religion, race, or gender.
Amongst our core values, we place a high regard on, “loving your neighbour as yourself” and being the ones who “go” to identify people needing our support. We deliberately never seek to duplicate what other community groups are doing but rather collaborate with them. Our initiatives originate from the community expressed to our volunteers.
We will give a helping hand to anyone in a crisis. Sometimes it takes the form of giving hope and encouragement or temporary crisis accommodation. At other times serving the most vulnerable. Loneliness and isolation are a scourge in our community and one we are addressing this in the new Community Hive.
At this stage, we have chosen not to receive government funding, as we want to be a catalyst for change rather than a service provider. Our funding comes from benevolent organisations and private individuals who see the value we add to our community.
THE COMMITTEE
The Committee Officers are elected annually at an AGM of all members.
President Bryan Wiseman
Bryan is a retired businessman who has had a long-time involvement with community issues both in the UK and in Queensland. Married to Carolynn for 48 years, they have two adult children. He lives on the Redcliffe Peninsula and loves the people in our community.
Secretary Neil McWilliam
Until he moved to Redcliffe in 2019, Neil was a qualified and seasoned Community Services Officer with a prominent Sydney council. He has experience in helping a wide range of people to overcome their situations. As a social single person, Neil enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life.
Treasurer Terry Francis
Terry has joined Band of Brothers as the treasurer. He has a background in mining in operations, planning and management. He has lived in remote Queensland towns and relates well to people. His knowledge of business systems will be an asset to Band of Brothers.