QSuper gives $10,000 to Rockhampton Regional Libraries
Published on 30 August 2018
Queensland’s largest super fund is helping Rockhampton youths unleash their creative potential during Queensland Mental Health Week.
QSuper awarded Rockhampton Regional Council Library with a $10,000 community prize for their outstanding participation in the recent Queen’s Baton Relay community events that QSuper was an official supporter for. The library will host a four-day opera creation program for 30 young locals in October, culminating in two community performances.
QSuper’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Pennisi, said QSuper was delighted to support a community event that celebrates and inspires young people, as well as shines a light on mental health and wellbeing.
“This is aimed at empowering young locals, aged between 15–25 years, in Rockhampton to have a conversation about mental wellbeing, in a creative and non-judgemental way, and to share that with their family and friends.
“We have almost 18,000 members in Rockhampton, and we believe that supporting our members’ communities is critical because we know how important that is to their long-term wellbeing. Financial wellbeing is linked to mental health, and this is one way we are working to make a meaningful difference in Rockhampton.
“Over half a million Queenslanders are members of our Fund and we work every day to support them to and through retirement. Through our partnerships, such as this one with the Rockhampton Regional Council Library, we are excited to bring this new event to town to raise awareness of local services available,” Mr Pennisi said.
Chair of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Rose Swadling, said Rockhampton Regional Libraries was proud to partner with QSuper to support this Queensland Mental Health Week community event.
“What a wonderful way to empower young people to share stories of mental health and recovery – through music, song, drama, art and performance.
“Too often people believe libraries are just a place where you can come and borrow a book. The reality is that libraries are vibrant community hubs with world class events, cutting edge technology, and inspiring exhibitions.
“This event is another example of that, and we are very grateful to QSuper for the $10,000 which will help make it happen.” Cr Swadling said.
As an official supporter of the 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay, QSuper ventured across the State to find Queensland’s financially fittest town.
QSuper data revealed Rockhampton residents felt less financially fit than the state-wide average. Local men, on average, felt financially fitter than local women, with average scores of 75.4% versus 71.5%.
“Wellbeing relies on our members feeling confident they’re supported now and for the future. This is about physical, mental and community wellness, as much as it is about financial fitness.”
Mr Pennisi said QSuper was committed to improving financial fitness in the city, through hosting general advice seminars throughout the year, providing general advice where members work, and offering advice from local, qualified financial advisors to members through its QInvest office in Rockhampton.
Mr Pennisi is in Rockhampton this week with the QSuper Board of Trustees for the Fund’s regional Board Meeting and annual Investment Update, presented by QSuper Chief Investment Officer Brad Holzberger. The Fund will host a Rockhampton Business Leaders’ Breakfast on Friday.
The QSuper Annual Investment Update will be held tonight (Thursday 30 August) at 5:00pm at the Rockhampton Leagues Club and is open to QSuper members and their guests.
QSuper is Queensland’s largest super fund, with $80 billion in funds under management. From humble beginnings over a century ago, today they manage the retirement savings of more than 577,000 members.
With membership previously restricted to current and former Queensland Government employees (and their spouses), QSuper opened its doors for the first time a year ago, with membership now open to anyone.
More information about the project will be published on the Library's facebook page soon.