The Finley PCP (Passionate Community Participants) have purchased farming property to the east of the Finley township.
It has just completed harvest of the first crop of canola on ‘Mandalay’, and on the Mill’s property which has been share farmed successfully for some time.
It was a challenging year to grow crops due to the very wet year.
Thanks go to the expertise and help from many volunteers who sowed the crop and pumped water off.
It was a year that had much higher costs for fertilizer and chemicals.
Generous terms were provided by Elders and Nutrien. However, it has been quite profitable and will reduce the debt to the bank.
‘‘The primary aim of the not-for-profit company is to hold rural land assets with an income earning capacity, where ultimately the income generated can be used as a resource to drive worthwhile opportunities for the betterment of the Finley community through financial assistance,’’ said board member John Hand.
‘‘The group is confident that this model, which has been used very effectively in the past, will continue, and enable all members of the community, both young and old, to contribute.
‘‘Further, it has the potential to bring structure to some of our volunteer efforts in a different and lasting way.’’
Purchasing the ‘Mandalay’ mixed farming property required significant investment, sourced in part from the PCP’s founding members Paul Evans, John Hand, Ashley Haynes, Chris Kelly, Trevor McCaw, Mark Robertson and John Taylor.
Greg McNamara, Sue Braybon, Sally Bickerton, Warren Lang and Jim Jewell also sit on the board.
Both financial and logistical support was donated by the Finley Apex Club, Finley Rotary Club, Finley Regional Care, Finley Golf Club, Finley Football & Netball Club, Finley Lions Club, and the Finley 2nd Hand Shop.
Donations were also sourced from individuals and businesses in the community, with remaining funds acquired via bank loan.
‘‘The intended purpose of Finley PCP Ltd is to create a future fund that will be available to community not-for-profit groups, to be used to embark on projects that otherwise may have been out of reach financially and provide opportunities to apply for grants where matching funding is a prerequisite,’’ Mr Hand said.
‘‘It will enable the community to have a significant say in their own destiny, no longer being primarily reliant on the government for projects to succeed.
‘‘There is great potential to bring the community together as worthwhile projects are planned and completed, as well as developing a greater trust and stronger networks with levels of government and the private sector, thereby increasing opportunities for future worthwhile ventures.’’
Though progress has been made, organisers stress that ongoing support will be required for their efforts to succeed.
Mr Hand says the quicker the bank loan can be repaid the faster funds can be distributed within the community.
Members are calling upon individuals, groups, and businesses to contribute to the project.
Priorities include reducing the organisation’s bank loan and funding the sowing of the crops.
Acquiring volunteer labour to maintain the land is also vital. Finley Apex are major contributors in this regard.
Members of the community can help in four ways:
• Donation of monetary sums.
• Giving of labour/time.
• Donating use of equipment.
• Donation of inputs (eg water/seed/fertilizer).
For further information about how to become involved, visit www.finleypcp.com.au, or email info@finleypcp.com.au.
