Nambour Men's Shed, Maleny & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Maroochy Sailing Club and Glasshouse Hinterland Australian Football Club are just some of the dedicated community groups poised to start great projects thanks to funding grants endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council today.
The projects are part of the 80 community initiatives receiving a share of more than $515,000 in Council's latest round of the Major Community Grants Program.
Maleny & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Nicole Hilton said their $5000 grant would help small businesses with an innovative new buy local initiative, the Maleny Gift Card program.
"We are over the moon – this grant is a great way to help us to keep on supporting local businesses," Ms Hilton said.
"The Maleny Gift Card could put approximately $100,000 per year back into our local economy.
"It's like a big wheel that just keeps on turning around and everyone benefits from it."
Nambour Men's Shed Secretary Colin Webb said their 70 members would thoroughly enjoy a more than $6000 upgrade to facilities with the installation of a solar roof ventilator and air conditioning unit.
"In winter, our shed is a good five degrees cooler than the temperature outside, and then it's the reverse in summer which can really affect our mature members to the point that they stay home," Mr Webb said.
"Some of our members are widowers and the shed, and everything it symbolises, is their life. It provides them comfort and connectivity.
"This council grant is terrific because it will make a lot of members feel very comfortable and encourage more men to attend."
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said he was pleased to see so many worthy groups receive grant funding.
"Many groups have been doing it especially tough during COVID-19, so I'm sure this will be a welcome relief and also reinforce the importance of community and sporting groups being the foundation to connected neighbourhoods within our region," Cr Law said.
He said the grant funding would have a multiplier effect, with community groups engaging local companies to deliver improvements which in turn would assist the region's economic recovery by supporting local jobs.
"Community groups affected by COVID-19 should consider applying for Council's COVID-19 Community Response Grants which close midnight Monday, June 1."
Council's Major Community Grants Program supports local communities across seven categories. This round of funding included:
$119,572 for community development
$68,425 for community events
$231,222 for community facilities
$25,500 cultural development
$3,741 for cultural heritage
$11,000 for economic development
$56,364 for sport, recreation and healthy living.
Maroochy Sailing Club received more than $14,000 for works to safety doors and windows, while Glasshouse Hinterland Australian Football Club also received more than $5000 to install a drinking fountain and purchase a defibrillator.
