A VALUABLE resource for the community and a way to bring people together is what the Burra Buddies Facebook group is all about.

Started seven years ago by Eve Morris, the page is now run by Jackie Schutte and her daughter Nikki, who are admins on the page.

With 5700 members on the group, Schutte explained that it was started to discuss community interests and concerns, as well as to assist residents with queries and information.

“The group was actually started by Eve Morris under a different name at the time but at the heart of it was community. I joined Eve as the group continued to grow from strength to strength, before officially taking over as admin on the page. We decided on the name Burra Buddies because people quite often refer to Queensburgh as the borough so we felt the name fitted. We did have a whole list of names but this one fitted perfectly,” she said.

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Speaking to Queensburgh News, Schutte said she has seen first hand how the group has become an invaluable resource.

“I think we do foster a sense of belonging and in a way we are a hub of information when it comes to service delivery or someone needs help. A big part of what we do is community; we do not allow commercial posts but we always promote fundraisers or if there’s an event at a church or a temple.

“We also sometimes post messages from the Ward councillors relating to service delivery or people post in the group asking what is going on with water or electricity,” she said.

Schutte added that the group also works closely with Aunty Hanneli Helping Hands (AHHH), an NPO run by Northdene resident Hanneli Preston, which helps out those in need.

“I think being able to give something back to the community is the reason why we continue with the group. It’s our small way of contributing, whether it be information or spreading the word, our hope is to continue growing to serve our community,” she said.