For Sandy and Jason Moffat, community isn’t a project or a title. It’s simply the way they live.
Between them, they have more than four decades of connection to Dysart and the surrounding region. Jason has called the area home for most of his life though he grew up in Middlemount. Sandy, on the other hand, arrived with a very different plan.
“I’ve been in Dysart 15 years now, but I originally came out here with a two-year work plan. Look how that turned out,” she laughed.
Both talk about Dysart with the kind of affection that only comes from deep roots. For Sandy, the appeal has always been the sense of safety and connection that small towns offer.
“I like that it is generally a safe community to bring your kids up in. Like most small towns, it is what you make it but here in Dysart there is always a network of people you can rely on to support your crazy ideas and get involved.”
Jason agrees.
“It’s a really nice place to work and play. Yes, we can be remote but if you look hard enough, everything you need is close.”
Those feelings for the town are a big part of the reason the couple were recently named Community Champions at the Isaac Region Australia Day Awards, recognition that came as a surprise to both of them.
“We don’t do anything for the accolades, but it was nice to receive recognition.”
Much of their recent work has centred around fundraising for Variety, the Children’s Charity. Sandy first became involved as a business sponsor before deciding to take a more hands-on role.
“We’ve been involved since 2019 as a sponsor for a Bash car to start with. When they relocated, we decided to do it ourselves. It’s an opportunity to not only raise funds but to also bring to the community something more.”
Jason is quick to downplay his own role.
“She’s the brains of this operation, I’m just the grunt,” he laughed.
“We’ve been privileged to have well and healthy children. Not every family is that lucky. To have the opportunity to raise money to help kids and families but also to highlight just how good our community is, it’s a win win.”
Over the years their involvement has touched almost every corner of Dysart. From running fundraising tip jars in their former café and pizza shop, to supporting local charities, organising car shows and helping with community events, the list of activities is long.
Their Variety events have included mini bashes, meat festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations, bowling days and the popular Pork’n’Pint Races, all designed to raise money while giving locals something different to enjoy.
Jason has found his own way to combine community with personal interests.
“Back in the bakery days, I was always making bread rolls for the footy clubs and supporting groups that way. Since then, I’ve got involved in car shows and try to organise one for Dysart every chance we get. Car shows are a good way to focus on men’s mental health. You get a classic car, open the bonnet and men just start talking.”
Behind all of it is a simple motivation to give back.
“I believe those who can should support those who can’t,” Jason said.
“We’re part of the old guard now so it’s really nice to see the young families really stepping up into this space and creating something. No matter if you’re here for two years, five years or 30 years. Being involved means you get more out of your time here and you might just leave it a better place for the next family.”
