The Wise Wo rds
BINGO is not just a game, it’s a family.
Kerrie Alexander
BAY SCHOOL A WINNER FROM WEEKLY BINGO
That’s the sentiments of Maryborough’s Paul and Blanche Ninnes – a power couple in the world of hosting bingo on the Fraser Coast. For the past 32 years Paul has had his eyes down, raising funds for a variety of not-forprofit organisations around region including the Maryborough Racing Pigeon Club and an 18-year stint for the Maryborough and Hervey Bay Endeavour Foundation. Blanche joined Paul in the bingo calling world about 18 years ago and hasn’t looked back. The two well-known and much-loved bingo hosts have been calling at the Hervey Bay RSL since 2013, with a crowd of about 180 eager players each time. The volunteer couple, and a handful of helpers, give their time freely at the RSL bingo each Wednesday solely to raise funds for the Hervey Bay Special School. Paul and Blanche visited the school seven years ago to see if they could help, and the rest is history. “I have a grandson in Sydney with autism, and I think that was the reason … we see what our kids go through with him and when they asked us to support the special school, that’s how we got started,” Paul said.
“I just love the people,” he said. “These people become your family and they are not just bingo players, they become part of your life. “We’ve got a few in nursing homes we make visits to, we see people we recognise (from bingo) at shopping centres and in the street and I often still see endeavour players down the street.” Paul and Blanche give special thanks to the RSL for the use of Hervey House and support staff, all of which helps keeps funds for the school. “Over 32 years hosting bingo, we’ve never been happier than we have been here at the RSL. “It’s just getting up and out of bed early that’s the problem,” he said with a laugh. With the club now back in action, you can join in the fun of bingo each Wednesday in Hervey House, with eyes down from 10.30am.
“I went to the special school and saw not so much what they had, but what they didn’t have. “They had a big room, quite large that they wanted to make into a library, but they didn’t have any chairs, tables or books and we worked on that to get that for them.” Since then, they have been instrumental in helping to secure many new resources for the school and now have their sights set on bringing a $90,000 sensory garden to fruition. The special school committee was so appreciative of their support that their resource building is now named after the two, with a dedication plaque on the wall. As well as the fundraising aspect, Paul said his passion for bingo was because of the players.
Fraser Coast Anglican College Celebrating 25 years of excellence As we reflect on the past 25 years, we are proud of our academic approach and the consistent results the students have received. However, our philosophy goes much deeper than that. These educational outcomes reflect the holistic nature of our teaching and learning programs provided from Kindy right through to Year 12, developing the students’ critical thinking and creative skills, inside and outside the classroom.
The College offers a broad range of co-curricular activities in sport and the arts as well as extensive outdoor education camps, leadership opportunities, service programs and a variety of clubs and activities that provide challenge, extension and stimulation for our students. We encourage and expect our students to participate actively in the life of the college and wider community, giving their time and talents for the benefit of others.
The College remains committed to fostering the individuality of each student in a caring and safe environment, nurturing the intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities essential for them to achieve their potential.
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