November 8, 2023
Over 1,000 kids and their families gathered in Biloela in Central Queensland for the annual MEU Community Fun Day in October.
The Biloela Fun Day, established by the Callide Valley Lodge with assistance from the Callide Power Lodge and the MEU Queensland District is now in its 16th year. The day started as a way for mineworkers to give back to the local community.
Secretary of Callide Valley Lodge Dave Wieden said the event was one of the best attended in many years.
“This year we gave out around 1,000 tickets to local kids where in previous years we have given out closer to 600 to 700 tickets.
The tickets provide kids with access to all the rides, a sausage in bread, soft serve ice cream and soft drink, as well as a raffle for one of three scooters.
Dave said that the Lodges had spared no expense for the rides and entertainment, including dodegem cars, crazy waves, super slides, jumping castles, and an eight-minute firework show.
He said that the fun day is an event for the entire family and community.
“Members who are rostered off come down for the event to spend time with their families and to catch up with their mates over a bite and a beverage.
“We have many kids and family members of MEU members attend, as well as people from the local community so it’s a great group of people from the community coming together who might not otherwise.”
Dave said that the Lodges had received extremely positive feedback from MEU members following this year’s event.
“From everyone we spoke to, they all seemed to have a great time.
“The MEU Community Biloela Fun Day is a day that our members look forward to and we look forward to hosting it again next year.”