Community groups come out winners

Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program will deliver a big boost to the region after Council endorsed more than half a million dollars to fund 79 community projects.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said a wide variety of community organisations and their dedicated volunteers undertake a huge range of projects and services with the community.

“Council actively support these organisations via a range of programs with this significant round of the Community Grants program providing financial assistance to sporting clubs, community facilities and community event organisers. These groups successfully applied for a total of $536,353 to assist in their continued provision of valued services to the community,” Cr McKay said.

“Council’s grant and funding programs help foster sustainable and diverse communities throughout the region.”

Council’s community grants support local communities across seven categories, including a new Community Events category. This round of funding includes:

• $99,408 for community development

• $80,886 for community events

• $244,951 for community facilities

• $29,713 for cultural development

• $31,768 for cultural heritage

• $6,130 for economic development

• $43,497 for sport, recreation and healthy living.

Cr McKay said community event organisers would use the funding to deliver some diverse events across the region.

“Exciting events such as Celebrate Beerwah, Vietnam Veterans Day, Sunshine Coast Women’s Lifestyle Expo and Sunshine Coast NAIDOC day celebrations have all been supported in this round,” she said.

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Festival organisers said the $6500 grant would assist with NAIDOC objectives by providing an avenue for community, non-government and government organisations to engage with the broader community in a safe and inclusive environment.

“It was exciting for us to receive the grant, as it means we can continue to build pride and respect amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their children through cultural connection and the raising of awareness of the richness of both cultures,” NAIDOC Committee Chair Sharon Sticklen said.

“We are using the grant to enhance this year’s National NAIDOC theme we all stand on sacred ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate.

“The grant will assist with entertaining the growing audience and provide cultural workshops and children’s activities.”

This year’s NAIDOC Day celebrations will be held on Saturday, July 11, between noon and 7pm at Black Swan Park (adjoining Cotton Tree Park).

Cr McKay said community groups interested in finding out more about the range of council grants and other funding sources available should visit Council’s website or speak with a grants officer for assistance.

“Our officers can assist with the application process, technical queries, project development, grant writing tips and advice on other funding sources outside Council,” she said.