Thanks to a $9,988 Small and Vital Strengthening Rural Communities grant, the Theodore Early Childhood Centre Association (TECCA) delivered one of the biggest nights on the local calendar and turned community spirit into tangible support for the region’s only early childhood centre.
In the heart of Queensland’s Banana Shire sits Theodore, a tight-knit town of just 451 people. With no other early education options within 50 kilometres, TECCA plays a vital role in supporting local families, providing daycare and kindergarten for more than 40 children. Running a community-based, volunteer-led service like this takes a lot of heart and, crucially, a lot of funding.
Keen to provide the local and wider community with the opportunity to connect and raise future funding for TECCA, the Centre decided to deliver the 2024 Bulls N Barrels Bonanza Rodeo – otherwise known as the TECCA Bonanza!
A family-friendly rodeo event, the Bonanza drew more than 1,600 people through the gates. With the support of FRRR’s funding, TECCA pulled off a vibrant, high-energy evening featuring bull riding, barrel racing, FMX motorbike stunts, live music, a huge raffle, food vans, kids’ rides and more. The event really brought Theodore together, as well as attracting tourists from far and wide.
Treasurer and Grants Coordinator Katie McCosker said, “The atmosphere was amazing. Families caught up, kids ran wild in the sandpit and the dance floor was packed by nightfall.”
The Bonanza’s impact went far beyond a great night out; it gave a welcome boost to the local economy, with businesses reporting strong trade from visiting competitors, tourists and campers. It also raised crucial funds to support TECCA’s operations and helped cover planning and design costs for a proposed expansion of the Centre. That work laid the groundwork for a successful application for a major infrastructure grant, unlocking the next stage of TECCA’s growth.
In a remote town where early education is essential not only for children’s development but also for enabling parents to work and professionals to stay, the ripple effects of the Bonanza are far-reaching.