A Finley community group has bought a prime farming property, on which it proposes to grow crops and reinvest profits in the town.
Called Passionate Community Participants (PCP), it has bought the 152ha property ‘Mandalay’, 4km east of Finley.
Some members have worked together investing time and energy into Finley for over a decade.
‘‘Ten years ago, a group of community minded people, some with an association with the Finley Football and Netball Club (FFNC), foresaw the need to generate funds for future community projects and improvements to community facilities,’’ the group explained in a statement.
These individuals previously had a share farming arrangement, which allowed volunteers to farm local land with donated equipment and resources.
Profits from the harvest were reinvested into the community and notably contributed toward Finley’s recreation reserve building.
Remaining profits were held in interest bearing deposits, to be used for furthering the group’s fundraising capacity.
Now members new and old have realised this ambition with the establishment of Finley Passionate Community Participants Ltd — a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to furthering investment in, and support of, Finley and surrounds.
‘‘The primary aim of the not-for-profit company is to hold rural land assets with an income earning capacity, where ultimately the income generated can be used as a resource to drive worthwhile opportunities for the betterment of the Finley community through financial assistance,’’ said organisers.
‘‘The group is confident that this model, which has been used very effectively in the past, will continue, and enable all members of the community, both young and old, to contribute.
‘‘Further, it has the potential to bring structure to some of our volunteer efforts in a different and lasting way.’’
Purchasing the ‘Mandalay’ mixed farming property required significant investment, sourced in part from the PCP’s founding members Paul Evans, John Hand, Ashley Haynes, Chris Kelly, Trevor McCaw, Mark Robertson, Cr John Taylor, Greg McNamara and Sue Braybon.
Both financial and logistical support have been pledged by the Finley Apex Club, Finley Rotary Club, Finley Regional Care, Finley Golf Club, Finley Football & Netball Club, Finley Lions Club, and the Finley Secondhand shop.
Donations were also sourced from individuals and businesses in the community, with remaining funds acquired via bank loan.
‘‘The intended purpose of Finley PCP Ltd is to create a future fund that will be available to community not-for-profit groups, to be used to embark on projects that otherwise may have been out of reach financially and provide opportunities to apply for grants where matching funding is a prerequisite,’’ said PCP organisers.
‘‘It will enable the community to have a significant say in their own destiny, no longer being primarily reliant on the government for projects to succeed.
‘‘There is great potential to bring the community together as worthwhile projects are planned and completed, as well as developing a greater trust and stronger networks with levels of government and the private sector, thereby increasing opportunities for future worthwhile ventures.’’
Though progress has been made, organisers stress that ongoing support will be required for their efforts to succeed.
Members are calling upon individuals, groups, and businesses to contribute to the project.
Priorities include reducing the organisation’s bank loan and fund the sowing of crops.
Acquiring volunteer labour to maintain the land is also vital. Finley Apex are major contributors in this regard.
Members of the community can help in four ways:
- Donation of monetary sums.
- Giving of labour/time.
- Donating use of equipment.
- Donation of inputs (eg water/seed/fertiliser).
For more information about the project or how you can become involved, visit www.finleypcp.com.au, or send an email to info@finleypcp.com.au.