General News
11 July, 2025
Op shop disco a hit
Maryborough locals got down with the 1970s vibe last weekend grooving to the beat at Rivergum Support’s op shop disco.
It was a beat with a difference last Saturday as over 70 people in their best thrifted outfit helped raise money for Rivergum Support’s Christmas hampers for those in need.
The organisation’s director Kaitlyn Howell said the inaugural event’s success exceeded all expectations.
“Initially it was shock and then it was happiness and joy to see it all come to fruition,” she said.
Rivergum Support is a local disability support service which offers a wide range of services for those with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.
However, this groovy achievement rests firmly with the organisation’s men’s group who shook up their Thursday meetings.
“Part of what they do is prospecting, they go out bush, they have barbecues, they might cook some damper — but they wanted to do something for the community,” Mrs Howell said.
That meant six months of work brought the event to life, completely driven by the men, even when it was outside their comfort zone.
“They’ve all got their own barriers and this group works together to help them overcome that and achieve something fantastic,” Mrs Howell said.
From a raffle, to an auction, a fashion parade, and numerous prizes — it was a success made possible through local support which will then give back to the community.
“Our biggest thing is about supporting the community, even though we focus our support on NDIS funded people,” she said.
“We’re always looking to help. We’re always looking to connect.”
Rivergum Support offers programs including a teen social group, youth social group, and a cooking program all for NDIS funded people — just to name a few.
Mrs Howell encourages anyone who has NDIS funding to contact Rivergum Support if they’d like to get involved.
Further information can be found in-person or on the organisation’s website.