13 April 2022
Western Downs Regional Council is backing local community groups to deliver new programs and events across the region, with the latest competitive grants awarded.
Ten local groups have received funding across four of Council's regular grants and funding opportunities – Community Activation Program, Community Projects Program, Local Events Program, and the Regional Arts Development Fund.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said Council's grants programs celebrated the people that make the Western Downs the unique and vibrant community it is.
"Council empowers our local community to deliver initiatives and events that strengthen our fantastic liveability and offering regular funding opportunities is one way we are showing this support," Cr Maguire said.
"It's also about giving a pat on the back to the hard-working volunteers in our region who do incredible things for our community and giving them the assistance they need to continue offering new and exciting things to do in our region.
"This round has supported a fantastic range of initiatives including upgrading vital community infrastructure, delivering local events and exhibitions, and building community connectedness.
"It's incredible to see so many great ideas coming forward, and Council is delighted to offer our support through funding and in-kind assistance to ensure these ideas come to fruition."
Wandoan Arts Council Secretary Amber Baker said the group was excited to receive funding under the Community Projects Program to support its soldier settler sculpture project.
"The Wandoan Arts Council has commissioned a recycled metal art sculpture to add to the Wandoan Soldier Settlers Avenue of Honour," Mrs Baker said.
"The artwork is being created by sculptor Dion Cross and is being made from old metal tools and materials that have been contributed by the local community, which gives our community a sense of ownership.
"The funding from Council will go towards installing the structure, landscaping and feature lighting around the sculpture to make it a unique destination for our town.
"It is so important that we beautify our local community and I think having this sculpture here is going to bring pride to the people of Wandoan."
The first round of competitive grants allocated for 2022 are:
Community Activation Program
- Murilla Community Centre – $10,000 to expand and distribute its community newsletter through partnerships with neighbouring community centres and groups
Community Projects Program
- Sports Condamine Association – Replace Kitchen Floor – $4,325.00
- Chinchilla Polocrosse Club – Purchase Ride-On Mower – $6,665.00
- Wandoan Arts Council – Soldier Sculpture Project – $10,000.00
Local Events Program
- Tara Race Club – 2022 Annual Tara Cup – $2,770.00 ($2000 plus In Kind $770.00)
- Jandowae Race Club – 2022 Jandowae Cup- $3,260.00 ($2000 plus In Kind $1260.00)
- Reining Australia – Australian Reining Breeders Classic "ARBC" Show – $7,466.00
- Dalby and District Rugby Football Club – GDL Battle in the Bush Rugby Gala – $2,000.00
Regional Arts Development Fund
- Hannaford Club Inc – Brushes in the Bush- $2,863.00
