After 19 years of service,
Downs & West Community Support says farewell
After 19 years of serving farming families and rural communities across southern Queensland, Downs & West Community Support has officially closed its doors.
Since 2007, the organisation has provided encouragement, practical support and hope to people facing hardship. From distributing food hampers, grocery and fuel vouchers, furniture, clothing and farm supplies, to assisting with household bills and creating opportunities for connection through hundreds of community wellbeing events, every act of support was delivered with dignity, compassion and care.
Tracy receiving some household items from Sr Christine.
Downs & West Community Support was established during what was described as the “worst drought in living history”.
Looking back on nearly two decades of service, Sister Christine reflected:
“What I witnessed in those early days, and in every year since, has been the extraordinary strength, resilience, kindness and compassion of rural communities across Southern Queensland.
“While the decision to wind down this important work has not been easy, I am forever grateful for every connection made, every conversation shared, and every life touched along the way.”
Advisory Committee Chair and Treasurer Chris Garnier said the organisation’s legacy will live on through the lives it has touched.
“Nineteen years of human kindness cannot be erased from the soil of Queensland. Thank you to our donors, our volunteers, our resilient farming families, and most of all, to Sister Christine for her 19 years of selfless service.”
To every donor, volunteer, community partner and supporter who made this work possible – thank you. Your generosity enabled thousands of people to receive practical assistance, compassion and hope when they needed it most.
While Downs & West Community Support’s chapter has come to an end, the spirit of kindness, resilience and community that defined its work will continue to inspire those whose lives were touched over the past 19 years.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
