Untimely, yet much-needed, rain across the region may have put the Toowoomba Regional Community Information Directory (CID) launch on hold recently, but it’s done nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of community groups, clubs and organisations eager to be a part of the register.

The new CID is a free online listing facility for everything from hobbies to health, education to environment.

It will now be officially launched on November 21 in conjunction with a free outdoor movie event at dusk (about 6.30pm) featuring the Disney animation, Bolt. TRC Mayor Peter Taylor and Environmental and Community Services portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill will speak at the event.

Cr Cahill said the CID replaces the eight individual community directories of the former shires in the region.

“It’s designed to stamp out defunct listings and out-of-date details by providing both an online searchable directory and online administration of listings,” Cr Cahill said.

Each group or organisation that lists with the free service will be able to log back in at any time to update details as they change (such as contact numbers or the need for volunteers), ensuring the listing stays current.

Cr Cahill said the new search functionality will take the guess work out of looking for likeminded community members and end the wasteful task of trawling through irrelevant listings.

Listings have multi-selectable attributes attached to them which will allow search queries to isolate details such as locality and category.

People looking for member-based groups can also search by age and gender as well as specifically for groups seeking volunteers.

“The resource will be invaluable to community organisations seeking exposure and an effective tool for those seeking specific activities and services,” Cr Cahill said.

“The main requirements of eligibility are that the group or organisation is community minded, provides a service or activity in the region, is not for profit and does not include substantial commercial operations.

“A casual card group or book club, for example, whether incorporated or not, will be eligible to list in most cases,” he said.

“Government agencies and charities will be eligible. A privately owned business hosting promotional nights will not be.”

The site is now active, so to list with the CID or to start looking through the listings, visit www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/cid

Cr Cahill said Regional Road Shows which include training and other assistance in the use of the site (including listing assistance) will be conducted over coming weeks.

Dates and times will be advertised through local media.