Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc

Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc is a “charitable, not for profit” organisation, run solely by Volunteers. There are no paid staff. The Centre is overseen by a Management Committee of 11 volunteers from various backgrounds i.e. Finance, Defence, Nursing, Social Work, Local Government and Administration. There are 50 permanent volunteers & 50 part time volunteers, who support the Centre by doing jobs such as garden maintenance, administration, cleaning, assisting in the Op Shop, sorting, food preparation, building maintenance etc.

MVCA Inc is registered with the A.T.O. & Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission as a charitable, not for profit entity.

Our target group are all residents living within the 4553 postcode area.

Our aim is to promote health & wellbeing, by offering the community a welcoming, non-discriminatory, inclusive, pro-active community hub, where people can come together for activities, education or social interaction.

The volunteers work for the benefit of the Mooloolah community and the positive flow-on effects are felt throughout the Mooloolah Valley and environs.

In 2009, one of our early volunteers, Dot Page, had the idea of opening a community Op Shop. From small beginnings the little shop has blossomed and grown into the “Best Op Shop on the Sunshine Coast.” People travel from far and wide to pick up a bargain. The proceeds from the Op Shop are channelled back into community programs & services i.e. MVCC offers disadvantaged families at Mooloolah State School, new uniforms & books at no cost. We financially support Mooloolah State School Library Fund and the school Chappy program with an annual donation

Support is also given to Lifeline Maroochydore (excess donations to Centre), Mooloolah Craft Group, Neo Natal Ward at Nambour General Hospital (new premmie baby clothes) Sippy Creek Animal Shelter (blankets & toys) and many other local not for profit groups.

MVCA Inc has made monetary contributions to the Salvation Army Australia for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal (Tents) and to the Queensland Country Women’s Association, for Drought Relief in Western Queensland. We were able to offer assistance to local families affected by the 2013 floods in the Mooloolah Valley. Community members can access free internet at the Centre to check jobsites, write & print job applications, and access their Centrelink accounts.

Through our Welfare Program we support families, who through no fault of their own, find themselves in difficult circumstances i.e. loss of jobs, family breakdown, ill health etc. We provide food vouchers from the local IGA supermarket, petrol vouchers to assist those travelling to medical appointments, Centrelink interviews etc. If the request is outside the scope of our programs, referrals are made to other services/organisations best able to assist the families. All funds used for the Welfare programs are raised from the Community Op Shop revenue.

The Op Shop is managed on a daily basis by a volunteer Day Manager, who reports directly to the Management Committee.

The Meeting Room is available for hire to groups/organisations.

Cost: 50.00 for a half day. Full kitchen facilities are available. Air conditioned. Disability Accessible. Not for Profit groups get a 50% discount. Please phone admin on 0754947822 for further information.

A Justice of the Peace is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Centre, between 9.30am and 12noon. No appointment necessary.

The Centre has two qualified Psychologists who attend two days per week. This service can be accessed via a GP Referral or self referral. Appointments are necessary.

Monday: Rosalin Primrose R.Psych - 0424002640 Friday: Rosie Bauld B.Psych – 0487896049

MVCC holds a monthly community bar-b-que on the 1st Friday of each month. Meals cost $2.00 per plate. Families enjoy a night out with their children for little financial outlay. The Centre covers the costs of the event. Again, our volunteers oversee this popular monthly event. No one is turned away due to financial stress. The kids love the large expanse of grass behind the Centre to run, play freely & safely, under the watchful eyes of their community.

At Christmas, we hold a large community Christmas Party, complete with Santa, gifts, jumping castles, music, face-painting etc. Last Christmas 250 people enjoyed the event at no cost to each family.

This event is supported by the Sunshine Coast Council through their Festive Grants Program.

The Garden Club at the rear of the Centre is open to all locals who wish to “have a go” at gardening. Children from the Kindy & the Mooloolah State School are encouraged to participate in gardening activities on a regular basis. The social aspect also attracts people to come down to the garden, even just for a chat and a cuppa.

The Mooloolah Valley Art Group meets fortnightly at the Centre on Saturday afternoons from 1.30 to 4.30pm. For information please contact: Jennifer Peterson – 0412111038

Sewing Classes are held at the Centre on Friday afternoons from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Beginners to very experienced sewers are welcome. Overlocking lessons are also available. Cost is $5.00 per lesson. Phone Centre Admin on 07 54947822 to make a booking.

MVCC actively supports the local businesses/tradesmen in the area & on the coast by purchasing all consumables/services locally, where possible.

MVCA Inc. supports & values our Volunteer team. In appreciation of their skills & talents we hold 3 x volunteer lunches per year, as a “Thank You”, and hold regular meetings to listen to their ideas & make plans for the long term future of the Centre.

We also hold a Volunteer Christmas Party in December to say “Thank You” to all concerned.

The Volunteers at our Centre form lasting friendships & social networks with other groups/residents. Volunteering assists in alleviating social isolation & loneliness, especially for older residents. The skillset of each Volunteer is appreciated and utilised, making people feel appreciated and valued members of their community.

To become a member of our Association, please fill in application form available at Centre or email a request for one. Cost is $5.00 per year. This goes towards supporting the Community Centres’ important programs and initiatives.

The Mooloolah Valley Community Association Inc. is supported by the Sunshine Coast Council, through its’ generous Community Grants Programs such as the Community Partnership Grant. Without assistance from the Sunshine Coast Council, many small organisations would be unable to operate. MVCA Inc. wishes to thank the Sunshine Coast Council for their ongoing support, and congratulate them on their community minded spirit.