Proposal to rename the Burrum District Community Centre

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is asking residents if they would like to rename the Burrum District Community Centre in Howard.

At a recent Council meeting, Councillor James Hansen suggested calling for public comment to change the name of the centre to the Mal Chard Community centre to posthumously honour the Howard community volunteer and 2005 Hervey Bay Citizen of the Year.

To gauge feedback, Council has now set up a survey on its Engagement Hub website https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/renaming-burrum-district-community-centre, in which residents are asked if they agree or disagree with the proposal.

Respondents will also be able to leave feedback with the survey closing at 5pm on Sunday, August 16.

Details of the survey will also be placed at the Howard Library and circulated through networks of Howard based community groups.

Mal and his wife retired to Howard in 1996 – it provided a lifestyle balance between the bush he loved, and the beach she loved.

In 1998 Mal became involved in the Burrum District community after identifying Howard’s need to have its own place where residents could come together and link up much needed services.

He saw the opportunity to build a community centre based in Howard and was committed to making it happen.

Working with the community and key stakeholders, the Burrum Community Centre was built in 2000.

Mal’s list of accomplishments is just as long as his volunteer contributions which included:

• Serving as chairman of the Burrum District Community Centre;
• Implementing respite services in the centre;
• Picking up and dropping off respite centre clients;
• Championing the establishment of the Burrum District Community Centre Markets;
• Getting involved in setting up the Howard Men’s Shed;
• Being part of the SES;
• Helping establish the Howard Ambulance Station, and;
• Getting involved in the establishment of the cricket pitch and skate bowl in Howard; and
• 2005 Citizen of the Year.