A community grant from the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is helping the Kooroongarra SSS&A Sport and Recreation Club provide a new social outlet for local residents.
The grant for kitchen equipment was one of 15 Community Support Grants worth more than $28,000 across the region in the first round of TRC's Community Support Grants for 2024/2025.
TRC has injected more than $360,000 back into the community so far in 2024/25 across its grant programs focussing on the environment, culture and the arts, sport, youth and other programs.
TRC Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson, Councillor James O'Shea, said Kooroongarra has not had appropriate facilities to hold social activities or sports for many years.
"The local hall, church and tennis club had been closed for many years and Kooroongarra residents travel to Rocky Creek or Millmerran for social or sporting events," Cr O'Shea said.
"Residents have begun holding 'bowls' nights and social barbecues to give locals another social option," he said. "And this is a great example of the type of community-led initiative that Council encourages and supports."
"These events will improve health and wellbeing, promote social connection and reduce social isolation. It is a great example of how Community Support Grants can make a difference in our communities.
"Our grants are aimed at supporting projects that can make a difference. In this round we are proud to have supported a range of events including buying equipment, funding business plans and providing financial assistance to local groups."
Council also funded the following groups under the Community Support Grant program:
Southbrook Central Primary P&C Association to upgrade the oven and stovetop in the school tuckshop.
Darling Downs Historical Railway Society to purchase equipment for the bookings office.
Hope for Our Children to provide services to at-risk children.
Palliative Care Queensland (Toowoomba) to fulfil the final wishes of palliative and end-of-life patients.
Rosies Youth Mission to purchase additional lighting and rechargeable battery packs for use on outreach.
Pittsworth and District Campdraft Association to purchase stainless steel work benches for canteen and bar areas at the Showgrounds
Darling Downs Sailing Club received upgraded training sailboats.
Yarraman and District Progress Association for the Driver Reviver Program.
Yarraman and District Progress Association for preparation of a Strategic Plan for the maintenance, conservation and preservation of the Heritage Museum.
Clifton and District Progress Association Inc to update and reprint its tourist brochure.
Southbrook Sports Club Inc to upgrade kitchen equipment.
Cambooya Landcare Association for construction of a community garden.
Days for Girls Toowoomba Inc to provide funding for making hand-made quilts for medical associations.
Tony's Community Ltd to purchase stackable trestle tables and folding chairs.
Cr O'Shea said Council's website promotes a number of funding programs available at different times of the year.
"Funding grants require applicants to first register for a SmartyGrants account. Sign up is free and access to the SmartyGrants portal is via Council's website, which lists all available funding opportunities," he said.
"It is a one-stop shop that makes it easier for community organisations to apply and provides them with a better online experience when completing an application."
