Community & Business
25 November, 2024
Treasure Island marks a quarter of a century
Treasure Island Clifton Community Childcare Association Inc. celebrated 25 years of service to the district during a special event at the child care centre on Saturday, 16 November.
The large attendance at the event reflected the high esteem in which the facility and its staff are held in the local community.
Among the guests were members of the first committee as well as current and former staff and children.
It is estimated that close to 100 people visited the centre during the day.
Highlights included addresses from various people who have been involved with Treasure Island in various capacities during the last 25 years, a smoking ceremony and activities for children, including face painting.
The smoking ceremony is performed at different times in the lives of First Nations people to celebrate an important occasion and this was indeed a special occasion.
Saturday’s smoking ceremony was conducted by Geneene Meijer of the Western Wakka Wakka people.
Geneene took time to explain the ceremony to those present.
For many it was the first time they had witnessed the ceremony in person.
One other feature of the 25th anniversary celebration was a large artwork made up of multi-coloured handprints of those who attended the event.
It will be a spectacular addition to the walls of Treasure Island.
The child care facility has always been well supported at Clifton.
There are currently 63 children enrolled, which puts the facility at capacity.
It is run by a staff of 17.
Funding for Treasure Island is derived from fees paid by parents, these being subsidised by the Australian Government, as well as grants such as $1500 provided by Toowoomba Regional Council to support Saturday’s event and a grant for fencing from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and Kindy funding from the Queensland Government.
The Centre also conducts its own fundraising activities such as the major raffle currently underway.
