Community - Philanthropy

 On Thursday the 11 September 2023, the Biloela community was rocked by the tragic death of 21-year-old, Joel “Joeley” Robert Weeks in a single vehicle accident near the Callide Dam. 

Since that awful day, Joel’s parents Matthew ‘Tractor’ and Lyn Weeks along with an ever-growing cohort of Joel’s mates, have turned a tragedy into a tradition, hosting an annual Charity Bowls Day in Joel’s honor. 

The Charity Bowls Day has been crafted to celebrate Joel’s generous nature and to raise awareness and funds to improve the health and wellbeing of Banana Shire residents.

2024 - $65,829 was raised in support of the Local Ambulance Committee to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AED) machines for targeted locations shire-wide.

2025 - $77,108.59 was raised to facilitate the building of a helipad in Biloela to meet new CASA requirements. Note this figure does not include the pledged contractor contributions towards construction.

2026- The Joel Weeks Charity Bowls Day will be held again on the 1 August 2026 and is open to the public with live music from midday, raffles, burgers, novelty events, entertainment and... of cause... the well-renowned auction, with all proceeds going towards the fund's carefully considered projects to benefit the community.  

The Joel Weeks Legacy Fund Inc. is in the process of becoming a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsed. The Committee are overwhelmed with the ongoing support from individuals, businesses and other non-for-profit groups.