Connecting Bellingen Shire is calling on the community to back its emergency relief service at next month’s trivia night, as rising fuel costs and broader cost of living pressures continue to push more local people into hardship.
The fundraiser, ‘Let’s Be Heroes for a Night,’ will be held at Urunga Bowling Club on Saturday 9 May from 6pm to 10pm, with proceeds going toward the organisation’s emergency relief work across the Shire.
The organisation says its emergency relief service is already feeling the strain of current rising cost of living. It is having to provide higher-value vouchers to help cover fuel, while also seeing greater demand from people needing support.
Connecting Bellingen Shire operates across Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga, providing a range of practical support for people doing it tough, including assistance with food, fuel, clothing, medication, heating and energy bills, and referrals to other help. They also provide specialised aid for people experiencing homelessness, including bedding and hot meals provided by the local Kindness Kitchen.
Connecting Manager Kristen Collier said the funds raised at the trivia night directly support those struggling to make ends meet.
“Emergency relief is one of those services people often do not see unless they need it themselves. But for many people in our community, a fuel voucher, food support or a bit of practical help can make all the difference in getting through a hard week.
“We are seeing growing demand, and we are also seeing the cost of helping go up. That is why this trivia night matters. It is a chance for the community to have a good night out, while directly backing a local service that is helping people every day.”
As well as raising funds, the organisation is using the trivia night to highlight the need for more emergency relief service volunteers.
These are practical, people-facing roles within the service itself. Volunteers work alongside Centre Coordinators in Urunga, Bellingen and Dorrigo to help people get the right support. Depending on the day, that can include helping triage clients, assisting with intake forms, organising food parcels, heating frozen meals, supporting referrals and helping people complete processes online or over the phone.
Kristen says this volunteer work is a way to make a meaningful difference for people in need.
“If people want to contribute in a practical way, this is a real opportunity to be part of work that matters locally.”
It can mean welcoming someone who is having a rough week, helping the service respond well, assisting with food and referrals, and making sure people are met with dignity and care.”
“You do not need to come in with all the answers, just be reliable, respectful, willing to learn and able to work as part of a team. Volunteers are a crucial part of how the service operates.”
Tables for the trivia night are now on sale online via the Connecting website at www.connecting.org.au
People interested in volunteering or supporting the emergency relief service are encouraged to call May email coordinator@ncobs.org.au or call Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre on 6655 1239 or Urunga Neighbourhood Centre on 6655 6993 or Dorrigo Neighbourhood Centre on 0493 406 558.
