Young people on the Central Coast will continue to have access to a great range of programs through the Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Centre at Wyong thanks to the Greater Building Society and Mingara Recreation Club.

More than $25,000 was raised for the centre at the annual Mingara Christmas Under the Stars held on Sunday 18 December. More than 15,000 people enjoyed an entertainment line-up that included local country star Gina Jeffrey's and Australian Icon Daryl Braithwaite.

This week Bob Lowcock, Tuggerah Branch Manager, Greater Building Society and Sarah Russell, Community Coordinator Mingara presented Centre Manager Robyn Bust with a cheque for $25,609.55.

The money will be used to fund the centre’s youth programs. The centre aims to provide the community, especially young people, with empowering, relevant and reliable services. Staff run various programs and activities and offer one on one support. Facilities, including the sport and recreational centre, recording studio, skate-park and rock climbing wall, are all available for public use.

This is the first year Mingara has partnered with the Greater Building Society in presenting this key community event. Greater staff gave up their time to sell candles at the Carols, contributing more than $4,000 of the total money raised.

Mr Lowcock said that the Greater was thrilled to support the event because, like Mingara, it exists for its members and the community.

“The staff in the Greater’s seven Central Coast branches strive to support the community by helping local people to make the most of their money and by giving back to the community at events such as Mingara Carols,” Mr Lowcock said.

Daniel Pinkstone, General Manager Mingara commented, “We could not have succeeded with this community event without our partnerships that include the Greater Building Society, media partners Central Coast Express Advocate, Sea 101.3 and NBN Television, as well as corporate partners McDonalds and Schweppes.”

“Mingara has worked with The Salvation Army for many years now and we are proud of what has been achieved by our local community and look forward to this year’s event,” Mr Pinkstone said. 

For media information contact:
Craig Eardley
Public Relations Consultant
Greater Building Society
Ph: 0437 477 493
E: cecomm@bigpond.net.au

Sarah Russell
Destination Sports & Community
Marketing & Business Relations Officer
Mingara Recreation Club
Ph: 4349 7803 or 4349 7799
Email: srussell@mingara.com.au