Fundraising role supports locals

Eight local community organisations have shared in $10,000 raised by Woodgate Community Events this year.

Funds raised by Woodgate Community Events during the Easter fair have been distributed to local emergency medical and transport services, wildlife carers and veterans’ and cancer support.

Woodgate Community Events president Lesley Christensen says one of the core values of the organisation is to support those who care for and support the local community.

“Woodgate Community Events proudly organises three key events for our community to enjoy each year, and we take the fundraising role of our events seriously.

“While we do seek financial support via our event sponsors and the Bundaberg Regional Council to run these events, our fundraising efforts are for the direct benefit of the community.

“Up to 10,000 people attended the Easter@Woodgate Fair this year – a fantastic turnout – and our fundraiser raffles and food stalls were generously supported.

“We are very happy to be able to pass this generosity onto some vital and very much appreciated services.

“All of the recipient organisations are essential in our small community, whether they provide frontline care or raise awareness about issues affecting our lives and community,” Lesley said.

The Arts in Spring festival is next on the Woodgate Community Events calendar.

Held over the October long weekend, the annual arts-based festival offers a taste of fine art alongside fun-art, markets and music.

“We’d love to see a big crowd come along to experience our curated art exhibition this year. The artists and creative talent on display will surprise and delight.

“You can mingle at the exhibition gala opening or bring the family and join in our activities in the park and markets over the weekend,” Lesley said.

“Of course, don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket or a hamburger at the Community Events marquees and help support our community.”

Donations were provided to:

  • Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Cancer Council
  • Forest View Childers – Bus
  • LifeFlight
    Mothers’ Day Classic (Woodgate)
  • Woodgate Community Bus Inc
  • Woodgate First Responders
  • Woodgate RSL
  • Woodgate and Surrounds Wildlife Rescue

Woodgate Community Bus Inc committee members Kev Finnigan (left), Margaret Featherstone, Lynne Beresford (centre) and Sharon Davies (right) were presented with a cheque from Woodgate Community Events’ Marion Woodland and Lesley Christensen.

First Responders Barb Liddell and Dorothea Calder take the cash from Lesley Christensen and Raeleen Cahill.

Norman Anderson from Forest View Childers Inc. accepted a cheque from Lucy Smith and Lesley Christensen. The funds will to go towards their fundraising for a bus.

Woodgate Community Events’ Beth Clarke-Coolle and Lesley Christensen with Mothers’ Day Classic organisers Rosemarie Kirby and Jenni Cole.

Wildlife warrior, Tammy Florager accepted the cheque on behalf of Woodgate and Surrounds Wildlife Rescue.

Community Events Committee members from left Beth, Raeleen, Anne, Lesley and Gail (seated) handed over $2,500 to Suzanne Weir, organiser of Wodogate’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Why Easter at Woodgate is special

The annual Easter holiday to Woodgate is a long-held tradition for many families. Generations of locals and those who found our beachside village by chance alike make the trek back each year.

Woodgate has that appeal. 

It’s the kind of place that cheers; a place where people gather to reconnect with grandparents, cousins, siblings, uncles and aunts, and where childhood memories are made and cherished.

We’ve asked a few people to tell us why they believe Easter in Woodgate is special. 

Kyra Green brings her young family from the Gold Coast to Woodgate to visit family in Childers.

Kyra’s family on both sides go back generations in the District and she and her sisters have great memories of mucking around on the coast at Woodgate and Buxton.

“We have good memories of exploring the beach and national park and wanted the kids to experience this too and show them where their family comes from.

“Woodgate is great for kids because the water is calm, it’s not crowded and you can explore miles of beach.  

“A trip to Woodgate at Easter is digging for pippies, throwing in a hand line and fish and chips,” Kyra said.

It’s no surprise that Woodgate Community Events president Lesley Christensen nominates the Easter@Woodgate Fair as her top Easter-time drawcard.

“Easter@Woodgate Fair of course! The Easter fair has been around in one form or another for more than 20 years,” she says. 

“It’s a fabulous event and a great excuse to get the family out for a day at the beach on Easter Monday.

“We came here by accident 35 years ago. The children loved it, we loved it so we came back every year and eventually purchased a property and have now retired here.

“We love the quiet life, the people, the three B’s – beach, bowls, beautiful place. Couldn’t ask for more!”

The Itzstein family has been making the Easter pilgrimage to Woodgate for 31 years.

Maree Itzstein explained as they found it difficult to get the family together for Christmas, Easter was better timing and Woodgate became their go-to destination.

“Woodgate is such a beautiful place and it was easy for the family to get here from Brisbane,” she said.

“We started coming here 30 years ago and it became the place for our family to gather. Our kids and their kids now make the trip; we have 30-40 family members who come along,” Maree said.

Woodgate is so beloved by the Itzstein clan they also have a family memorial in place along the beach.

Pauline Greer, President of Woodgate & District Residents Association and Woodgate’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, says she loves the Easter vibe at Woodgate.

“It’s simple. It’s families gathering and having fun on the beach and in the water. Getting together and sharing good times…and the Easter@Woodgate Fair.”

Why do you keep coming back to Woodgate for Easter? 

If you’re just starting your Woodgate tradition, jump over to our About Woodgate section for some info on what to see and do, or pick up a Welcome to Woodgate info sheet around town.

Giving back

Woodgate Community Events donated $7,000 in 2022 to local services that support the Woodgate community.

Fundraising efforts throughout the year at annual events are shared with emergency services, charities and other community groups that actively support Woodgate residents.

Over the past five years more than $11,000 has been donated.

President Lesley Christensen said it was important for Woodgate Communit Events to reciprocate the support they received.

“We can’t host our events without the generous support of the community and the wonderful local businesses and organisations that support us,” Lesley says.

“So we believe it’s important we take opportunities to give back to organisations that, in turn, are there for our community, especially in times of trouble.”

In 2022 donations were made to the Woodgate First Responders, cancer research and Careflight Rescue.

President Lesley Christensen handed over a $2,000 donation to President of the Woodgate Beach Ambulance Benefit Committee Inc., Wendy Gearside. Woodgate Community Evetnts donates back to the community through their fundraising efforts throughout the year.