Maranoa Regional Council is urging locals to help bring Christmas to families in need by supporting the 2012 Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Council is seeking donations from businesses, clubs, community organisations and individuals who are able to help by providing:

• non-perishable food items such as tinned foods, Christmas cake, nuts or bottled drinks
• Christmas goods such as bon-bons and decorations
• monetary donations for the Community Christmas Luncheon (payable by cheque made out to 2012 Christmas Hamper Appeal)

The program is run annually in conjunction with Christian Outreach Centre, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

In addition to the provision of food hampers, the group will also be hosting an annual Community Christmas Luncheon in December for community members in need.

Donations can be made at the Roma Neighbourhood Centre or at Council Administration Centres throughout the region until Friday, 14 December.

For more information contact Maranoa Regional Council on 1300 007 662.

The Community Support Service provides individual and community support by linking people to services, acting as an information resource to services and the general community, coordinating community education courses and developing community projects designed to enhance community capacity.

Assistance available:

• Information and support regarding services available in Roma and surrounding communities.
• Support and referral.
• Information and education opportunities on relevant issues.
• Client advocacy in line with identified needs.
• Funding information available to individuals and community groups.

Contact details:

T: 1300 007 662
F: 0746 221 448
Venue: Corner Quintin and Bowen Streets, Roma
Time: Monday - Friday 8:25am -12:30pm and 1:30pm - 5:00pm.

Emergency Relief aims to assist people in financial crisis to deal with their immediate crisis situation in a way that maintains the dignity of the individual and encourages self reliance.

Assistance available:

• Food Vouchers
• Travel Vouchers
• Fuel Vouchers
• Medical Vouchers
• Advocacy with Ergon Energy, Telstra and Real Estate Agents to assist with a suitable repayment plan

Contact details:

T: 1300 007 662
F: 07 4622 1448

Venue: Corner Quintin and Bowen Streets, Roma
Time: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 am -12:00 pm

Community Recovery Referral and Information Centres

The Department of Communities' Community Recovery Referral and Information Centres in Mitchell and Roma will close on Friday, 4 May 2012.

New clients will be able to access support through the existing departmental service centre in Roma.