Rhonda Trivett serves as the founding President of the South Burnett Peace of Mind Association, where she oversees the operations of a volunteer-run drop-in center every Monday. Remarkably, this drop-in center has been serving the community for a commendable 12 years. Rhonda embarked on this journey in 2011 with a noble mission: to extend her genuine compassion and care, in practical ways, from her base in Kingaroy to those who are most susceptible to the ravages of mental illness and disadvantage in the region.
Her unwavering dedication shines through, as she has persisted in her mission despite facing adversity and personal obstacles. Rhonda is an exceptionally capable individual, dedicating the majority of her waking hours to organizing, advocating for, and supporting the members of our community. Her resolute objective is to attract better funding and resources for mental health services in the South Burnett.
In 2017, Rhonda orchestrated a groundbreaking mental health forum in the Kingaroy Town Hall forecourt. Her passion for enhancing the lives of those often lost in the bureaucracy of the system drew the attendance of prominent mental health experts from Brisbane and Toowoomba.
One of Rhonda’s cherished annual events is the White Dove Ball, where individuals facing disadvantages have the opportunity to dress up, savor a formal meal, dance, and enjoy the entertainment. Additionally, during the cold winter nights, Rhonda, accompanied by a small group of supporters, traverses the parks in South Burnett towns, seeking out homeless locals or others in need, providing them with essential items like food hampers, towels, and blankets.
For the past four years, Rhonda has been instrumental in offering an after-hours emergency accommodation service in Kingaroy. Notably, she has recently extended her reach by establishing a new drop-in center in Nanango. Rhonda is undoubtedly one of the South Burnett’s most influential volunteers, rallying universal support for her vision of creating a dedicated mental health support facility in the region. Her tireless efforts encompass fundraising, advocacy, and the continual sharing of her vision for this indispensable service.
The award she receives acknowledges her as a volunteer who has made a substantial and enduring contribution to her community, club, or organization, exemplifying outstanding service over a considerable span of time.
Information about the South Burnett Peace of Mind Association Incorporated Committee includes:
- The committee is composed of two Registered Nurses (RNs), with one of them holding a Master’s degree.
- A team member on the committee possesses a diploma in Indigenous Knowledge and a diploma in Child Youth and Family Intervention. She is also in her final year of a Bachelor of Counselling.
- Another team member on the committee has a diploma in Community Services and is in the process of completing Recognition of Prior Learning in Individual Support. Additionally, this member holds a certificate in sports coaching, a Certificate IV in Frontline Management, a Certificate IV in Train the Trainer in the Workplace, and a Certificate III in Micro Business.
- One committee member holds a Certificate III in Aged Care and has completed an Allied Health Assistance course.
- Some committee members have attained a Certificate III in Individual Support.
- All committee staff members possess current First Aid certifications, which are regularly updated as required.