Queensland's economic recovery in the regions is set to get a boost with the Palaszczuk Government announcing today the successful recipients of round 109 of the Gambling Community Benefits Funds grants program.
From sporting groups in Barcaldine to a war memorial in Buderim and an animal shelter in the Cape, this grants program is set to further strengthen local communities across the State.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman congratulated the 466 recipients who will each take their share of close to $11 million of GCBF grant funding.
"Investing in Queensland communities is part of our plan for economic recovery, especially in rural and regional areas," Minister Fentiman said.
"These not-for-profit and community groups do fantastic work across Queensland keeping our economy strong by supporting our locals."
"And now more than ever, it's so important to spend locally and support small businesses and community groups as they face even tougher restrictions due to the pandemic."
Each and every one of the successful projects drive local initiatives and provide new equipment that benefit communities all over the Sunshine State. These grants are one way the Palaszczuk Government supports local sporting clubs, invests in P&Cs, assists vital services and upgrades to local infrastructure.
The Attorney-General said that the calibre of applications in round 109 was first-class and a great spread of community groups have been awarded a grant.
"Round 109 will see Townsville's Chimera Legacy Foundation receive a $13,650 grant to purchase a tablet computer and virtual reality headset. The technology will be used in hospitals and cancer treatment centres to provide a welcome distraction for young patients receiving treatment," Minister Fentiman said.
"DV Safe Phone, a group based on the Sunshine Coast provide 'safe phones' to women, men, teenagers and children facing domestic abuse and violence across the state. With a grant of $34,860, they will continue to update, test, service and deliver phones that have been donated to them for victims.
"The Weipa Running Festival plan to use their $35,000 grant to construct a running track for local children, youth and athletes from the Weipa, Mapoon, Napranum and Aurukun areas to develop their sporting abilities.
"Round 111 recently opened and I would strongly encourage any community group looking to enhance their services to jump online and get an application in for funding."
The GCBF is Queensland's largest one-off grant funding program that has received more than 62,000 applications since its inception.
Currently, the fund provides grants of up to $35,000 for community organisations, not-for-profits and local governments to fund local projects that benefit their communities.
In 2022, there will be four rounds of GCBF funding – one round offering grants from $500 to $100,000 and the other three rounds offering grants from $500 to $35,000.
Round 111 will close midnight 31 August 2021. Please keep in touch with the latest information online or on the GCBF Facebook page.
To view the full list of recipients from Round 109 visit https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants
