Big funding for groups

COMMUNITY groups throughout the region are the beneficiaries of more than $360,000 in grants, thanks to the latest round of Gambling Community Benefit Funding.

Fifteen groups have been awarded varying amounts of funding for a variety of projects including Mareeba Bowls Club which has been given $35,000 for a shade structure, Mareeba Motorcycle Club $34,000 to construct a bore, Atherton Rugby League Football Club $$31,955 to upgrade its canteen and purchase appliances, and Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society $26,218 to purchase a grandstand and install stage lighting.

Club ($8397) to purchase swimming training equipment; Tableland Roller Derby League ($3828) to purchase equipment; the Creche and Kindergarten Association of Mossman ($22,780) to buy play equipment; and the QCWA Atherton Tablelands Division ($4968) to purchase IT equipment.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman congratulated all of the successful organisations who received a grant for a variety of projects.

cluding Cairns, which is proving a popular option for long weekends out of the Sunny Coast with the Friday to Sunday route.

“Cairns is also proving in demand as an April school holiday destination, and with five flights per week to and from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast starting at $79 per person one way, it’s no surprise locals are seizing the opportunity.”

The first Sunshine Coast to Cairns flight is on 27 March with flights from Cairns to Mackay taking off on 29 March.

Among the grants was $35,000 to the Irvinebank School of Arts and Progress Association to replace roofs on workers’ cottages, and the Julatten State School P&C Association which will receive $35,000 to construct a play, historical and culture area.

Other successful recipients were: Atherton Bowls Club ($12,179) to upgrade a kitchen; Atherton Tennis Club ($21,340) to install a fence; Cape York Motorcycle Club ($27,713) to upgrade its facility and purchase equipment; Cooktown Bowls Club ($35,000) to install air-conditioning; Cooktown Creative Arts ($29,970) to upgrade its facility; Malanda Swimming

“It’s fantastic to see these grants are going to a diverse range of organisations across every corner of our State, where they can provide a real benefit to their local communities,” she said.

“This includes organisations in Cooktown in the far north, in Mount Isa out west, Barcaldine in the heart of the state, right down to the southern Gold Coast.”

“I encourage all not-forprofit community groups to keep an eye out for upcoming GCBF rounds to assist with their work.”

In 2023, four funding rounds will be available through the GCBF program, including Round 117, which will open for submissions in April.

For more information on how to apply for a GCBF grant, and to view recipients from Round 115, visit http:// justice.qld.gov.au/grants