Sunshine Coast Council has approved funding for ongoing support of the Belli Community Hall - the venue for weekly yoga classes and regular old time dances, helping enrich the lives of Belli and district residents.
Council today (August 22) endorsed a funding allocation of $61,000 to 12 organisations across the region as part of its Community Partnership Funding Program. From the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective to tennis clubs and chambers of commerce, the funding will help a diverse mix of groups prosper.
Belli Community Hall Association will receive $3000 funding annually for the next two years to contribute toward the hall's running costs.
Belli Community Hall Association President Petrus Habermehl welcomed the funding.
"It will mean that we can keep the doors open. We run 10 dances a year and the profit from the dances has kept us afloat until now, but our profits are down a little so this funding will mean we can afford to continue paying insurance and electricity," Mr Habermehl said.
"It gives us a little breathing space to come up with other ways to bring income in."
Mr Habermehl said the hall was the only remaining public building in the local area and was integral to the community, providing a place for classes to be held, fundraising events and a space for people to hire for social and family celebrations.
The Community Partnership Funding Program provides financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations that provide facilities or services that benefit the broader community, aligning with council's vision to be a healthy, smart and creative region.
Funding is offered under the following categories:
• Community Development
• Community Facilities
• Community Safety
• Cultural Heritage
• Economic Development
Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the program had provided important assistance to many local community groups since it began in 2010.
"There are 113 existing partnerships in the Community Partnership Funding Program totalling $837,981," Cr McKay said.
"Through engagement on our draft Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041, residents told us they envisioned the Sunshine Coast as a place of connection, inclusion and collaboration and a place where opportunities are available for all.
"This grants program provides the opportunity to our volunteers to get on with doing what they do best – serve our community.
"Our hats are off to you because you really are the heart and the soul of the Sunshine Coast.
"We know community groups and community facilities are integral to building social connections and creating healthy, happy and supportive communities which is why we are delighted to continue offering this wonderful program."
The successful groups for 2019/20 are:
• Sunshine Coast Screen Collective $7,500 annually for two years.
• Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce $5,000 annually for two years.
• Sunshine 60 and Better Group Inc. $11,500 annually for two years.
• Silicon Coast Limited $5,000 annually for two years.
• Arts Connect Inc. $7,000 annually for two years.
• Old Witta School Community Centre $3,000 annually for two years.
• Maroochydore Tennis Club $3,000 annually for two years.
• Coolum Bridge Club $3,000 annually for two years.
• Eumundi and District Pony Club $2,500 annually for two years.
• Yandina and District Pony Club $2,500 annually for two years.
• Belli Community Hall Incorporated $3,000 annually for two years.
• Coolum Business and Tourism $8,000 annually for two years.
