Volunteers welcome

Attention: Renters!

QSTARS visit

RAINBOW BEACH tenants are not alone in their struggles to find secure housing. There are many complex reasons for the current shortage of long term rental properties and a lot of locals have found themselves unable to secure or renew their leases.

So what rights do they have? Where can they go for advice? Who will advocate for them or give them the tools they need to work out the best solution?

QSTARS is a free, independent advice and referral service for all Queensland renters and they are coming to the Community Hall on Friday 3 February from 11.30am to 1.00pm.

THE RAINBOW BEACH Community Centre

(aka CIRS) is registered with Services Australia as a Voluntary Work Organisation, so if you’re a Job Seeker aged over 55, you may be eligible to count your volunteer hours towards your monthly 100 points target.

Jobseekers automatically earn 20 points if they are over 60 and a further 20 points for living in the Wide Bay region. That means their Points Based Activation System target is reduced to 60 points.

Volunteering for two days per week at an approved Voluntary Work Organisation will earn those 60 points. CIRS can also accommodate volunteers who do a combination of casual work and volunteering. Talk to us and we can make volunteer arrangements that work for you.

Our volunteers can choose from a range of roles, both in and out of our office. If you have skills in web design, social media, or research, we would love to hear from you. Or if you prefer maintenance, cleaning or filing jobs, please come and see us.

We always need Market helpers and you can choose to help before, during or after each Market

Day on the second Saturday of each month. Volunteering means just that - offering your services freely. We understand that Rainbow Beach locals are adventurers who don’t like to be tied down to regular commitments so we have volunteer roles that can accommodate nomadic, sporadic and sometimes enigmatic volunteers.

New residents are welcome to find their way to be part of our community by bringing their life skills and experience to the Community Centre. Call into our office or email cirssecretary@gmail.com

Farewell to Jeff

Our much-valued volunteer cleaner Jeff Pamenter finishes up this month and while we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best for his northern adventure.

Jeff has been a godsend for CIRS, and cleaned the hall facilities whenever asked, some weekends more than once. He does a great job, too. So, for sure, the next small coastal village he moves to will welcome him with open arms too.

Farewell and best wishes from all of us, Jeff.

QSTARS can assist you with:

• advice and assistance to understand your tenancy rights and responsibilities

• support to resolve your tenancy issue

• helping you to talk to your lessor or agent

• help to write a letter or fill in tenancy forms

• help to attend or prepare for a QCAT tenancy tribunal hearing

• referral to other services if needed

The QSTARS program is funded by the Queensland Government, managed by Tenants Queensland, and delivered in collaboration with partner organisations across Queensland. Call QSTARS on 1300 744 263 if you need advice on a tenancy matter or visit www.qstars.org.au

All Cooloola Coast residents are welcome. For catering purposes, please book in person at the CIRS office (open Mon-Fri 8.30 to 4pm) or call 5486 3355 or email cirssecretary@gmail. com for more information.