In May 2014, Birds Queensland and BirdLife Southern Queensland took possession of a Brisbane City Council community facility at Dutton Park.
We were very fortunate, and extremely grateful, to receive a Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability and Environmental Grant for the establishment and operating costs of ‘The Bower’. This has given the opportunity for both Birds Queensland and BirdLife Southern Queensland to have a permanent ‘bower’.
The grant covers insurance, water and electricity costs, pest control, repairs and maintenance and some furniture (kitchen utensils, crockery, ladders, tables to name a few items).
The building has two storerooms on the main level, an adjacent kitchenette and the remainder is a large room. Under the building are another storeroom and two toilets. The Bower is an ideal space for both groups to store their display items in separate storerooms, to hold meetings and workshops and to plan for displays and other events.
On 22 November 2014, an open afternoon was held attended by members of Birds Queensland and BirdLife Southern Queensland as well as our nearby neighbours and other members of the community. Councillor Helen Abrahams of The Gabba Ward officiated and formally opened the building and named it ‘The Bower’.
Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability and Environmental Grants have also been received over several years to assist with administration and operating costs. These grants have been very welcome and we appreciate the support of the Lord Mayor and the Brisbane City Council.
