As part of the agreement between the council for the use of
The Slab Hut we maintain an active involvement with
the community. Since 1998 our members have supported
and encouraged community involvement in the arts
through a range of activities.
ASSISTING AT LOCAL EXHIBITIONS AND
EVENTS
Sponsoring and assisting with the organisation of the art, craft and photography sections at the Samford Show provides local artists a venue to exhibit their work in a public space for little expense, while providing exposure and experience in exhibition work.
PARTICIPATING AT LOCAL FUNCTIONS
The Association's members enjoy Christmas in the Park and other functions held by local groups in John Scott Park and have raffled works of art to raise funds for charity. They regularly assist with functions at the school community as well and some organize craft for school fetes.
ASSISTING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
Members have volunteered for local government committees e.g. Arts Advisory Committee, Art Gallery Volunteers Group, Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) We keep in close contact with our local member for Moreton Bay Region.
ASSISTING WITH ACTIVITIES
Assisting with enrichment activities at the local Pine Rivers Gallery is another activity where members enjoy participation. The members of the association assisted with painting the flags for the 'Celebrate Samford' project in September, 2014..
SAMFORD AND SURROUNDS ARTS TRAILS
The Slab Hut participates in the Samford and Surrounds Arts Trails every year and are proud to see that people are keen to visit the area for this artistic endeavor.
SITUATED NEXT TO THE TOURIST CENTRE
The locality of The Slab Hut is conveniently sited next to the Community tourist information service. The members of the Slab Hut have all become aware of the many attractions of the area and what they don't know they can refer visitors to the Information Centre next door.
QUIRKY QUILTERS FROM THE SLAB HUT OFFER SKILLS TO
HELP CHARITIES
About 17 year ago some of the fibre arts folk joined together and formed the Quirky Quilters group which now sees them donating hours of their time sewing, knitting and crocheting for charity. To date they have made and distributed many articles to the Mater Children's Hospital, various Cancer Councils, Love and Care, Animal Welfare Groups, Careflight, Dept. Family Services, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Wildcare, Smith Family, Abused Women groups and individuals suffering from failing health issues. Their skills have been used to make some amazing patchwork quilts which are often raffled by the receiving group to assist with fund raising.
They proudly supported Hummingbird House, the first children's hospice in Queensland in it's beginnings. In earlier days they created Padded Covers for Humidity Cribs, Side Rails for beds, Large Adult Bibs and Modesty Covers for aged folk in wheel chairs. The QQ group also collected soft toys for people in Dementia wards.
Output varied somewhat over the years depending on demand, but more recent needs have been from: · Meals on Wheels groups where organisers have been handing out quilts on birthday occasions (e.g. for birthdays ending in 5 or 0 and even a couple of 99 year olds). · Quilts for various raffles and fund raisers in our community. · Library Bags for Lady Cilento Hospital, later Children’s Hospital. · Joey Bags for Wildlife Rescue organisations It's difficult to give an accurate figure on their output, but they estimate that in recent years they have donated: · At least 300 quilts and crocheted rugs · 800 Library Bags for children schooling in hospital · 35 Pillow Cases · 80 Joey Bags - for carers to keep native baby animals warm For materials they use donated cotton fabric as well as our own. The Hut also provides them with funds to purchase wadding, cotton and fabric. They have met in various locations over the years but now use the Samford Community HUB.
An Association member was recognised by the Pillowcases for Oncology Kids group for the donations she has made to that group.
The Quirky Quilters were also nominated for Pride of Australia, 2015.