Huge funding boost for community organisations

A total of 119 community groups received a share in $730,399 that will bring a range of events, projects and programs to life.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council continued its unwavering commitment to enhancing vital community infrastructure through the Community Grants Program.

“This Major Grants round showcases a large number of community infrastructure projects, which will benefit our community’s wellbeing,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Here on the Sunshine Coast, we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.

“Several community groups supported in this round received funding for large shovel-ready projects where funding was also provided from other funding programs.

“These projects include Glasshouse Hinterland AFL Club and Nambour Meals on Wheels where we will see a significant contribution into our community infrastructure.”

Glasshouse Hinterland AFL Club received $30,000 from Council towards constructing essential changeroom upgrades needed to foster a safe and inclusive sporting environment.

Nambour Meals on Wheels Service Inc received $30,000 towards considerable kitchen renovations, enhancing their vital community support services.

These upgrades will greatly improve the working environment for the organisation’s volunteers, ensuring their valuable contribution continues to be recognised.

Along with Council’s contribution, this project secured additional funding from multiple funding bodies. 

Glasshouse Hinterland AFL Club Co-Vice President Aleesha Clarke thanked Council for helping make such a major improvement to the changerooms.

“Our club loves our football grounds and continue efforts each day to improve our facilities for not only our current players, but also our future players and the Glass House Mountains community,” Ms Clarke said.

“The grant will help fund critical and necessary upgrades to the club’s changerooms to ensure everyone of all abilities feels comfortable while participating in sport.”

Other community projects funded under Council’s Major Grants program include:

• Windansea Boardriders Club Inc received $7,000 towards website copywriting and digital costs to rebuild the club’s website to include history of the surfing community in Caloundra.
• Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce received $6,000 towards event costs for the 2024 Kenilworth Classic Car Show, a free family event held at Kenilworth Showgrounds, scheduled for 25 August 2024.
• Generation Innovation Ltd received $8,000 towards the videographer and venue hire for the annual Generation Innovation Challenge, a project that empowers 15 to 25-year-old entrepreneurs to translate their ideas into viable businesses.
• Feral Arts received $7,000 towards consultation, research, video production and artist workshop fees for the pilot of a six-year project targeting the revitalisation of the Kunda Park precinct.

For the full list of recipients visit Council’s website and search ‘Major Grants’. 

Community groups will have an opportunity to apply for the next round of Major Grant between July 15 and August 26 and a Minor Grant between September 16 and October 28 this year.