Gambling Community Benefit Fund provides extra funding to boost communities and not-for-profit groups in need

Published Friday, 07 June, 2024 at 11:47 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

  • Successful applicants for Round 120 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) have been announced.
  • 588 organisations and local clubs have been awarded a total of $14,988,844.
  • GCBF one-off grants help community groups purchase goods or equipment to help carry out a wide range of valuable work in their regions.

Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program will deliver almost $15 million to 588 organisations and not-for-profit groups, to support initiatives improving community services, facilities and the wellbeing of Queenslanders.

From Goondiwindi, Quilpie and the Whitsundays, to Bungaru in the Far North, successful organisations and not-for-profit community groups across Queensland will receive funds of up to $35,000 as part of Round 120 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

The GCBF plays an important role in Queensland, providing valuable resources to the community, with each round attracting applications from diverse organisations.

Grants are used for healthcare initiatives, housing and crisis accommodation, domestic, family and sexual violence support, education and awareness, boosting sporting capabilities, repairing facilities, hosting cultural events, and community development.

Examples of successful grant recipients from Round 120 include:

  • Community Housing and Information Centre Inc – $35,000 grant to acquire an additional vehicle to assist tenants, and secure additional buildings for Mackay residents suffering from homelessness or requiring crisis accommodation to escape violence.
  • RSL Toowoomba Sub Branch with Veteran Adaptive Sport Toowoomba – $32,142 to buy specialised recumbent trikes and trailer transportation for events promoting social interaction and fitness for disabled veterans throughout the State.
  • Red Rose Foundation Ltd – $32,790 to purchase additional transportation to help victims of strangulation and domestic violence, and support community education and training initiatives to improve community responses to DFV.
  • Bidgerdii Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation Community Health Service Central Queensland Region – $14,522 to purchase a portable telehealth unit, enhancing needed medical services in Blackwater and providing support to Rockhampton and Mt Morgan.
  • Glenwood (QLD) Wildlife Awareness Inc ­– $9,000 to purchase a specialised thermal drone to survey wildlife habitats, reducing disturbances to local wildlife and helping prevent damage to the ecosystem.
  • Safe Haven Community Limited ­– $35,000 to purchase a vehicle to assist with collections for its preloved clothing store in Loganholme (with shop proceeds and the vehicle used to aid people fleeing domestic abuse).
  • eWaste Connection Ltd – $14,695 to upgrade its workshop, which recycles 100,000 kg of electrical waste annually in Brisbane and Ipswich (providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the long-term unemployed).
  • Multicultural Association for Events and Catering Services Inc – $34,969 to purchase equipment for inclusive community events across Queensland.

This is the first of three funding rounds available in 2024:

  • Round 121 - $100,000 30th Anniversary Super round – closed.
  • Round 122 - $35,000 standard grant round – opens September.

For a full list of recipients of Round 120 and more information on the GCBF, visit http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“It’s great to see such a high level of applications and interest in each round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

“Round 120 received almost 1,200 applications, demonstrating the vibrant and diverse ideas within our communities.

“Many of these not-for-profit organisations use grant funding to boost services that help the vulnerable in our local communities.

“As many Queenslanders are feeling cost-of-living pressures it is our task to ensure this funding is injected into the regions and communities, where it can help those most in need.

“Time and time again GCBF funding has made a significant impact in Queensland towns and cities, and we are proud to help facilitate projects that will bring lasting benefits to our great State and importantly, to Queenslanders.

“Congratulations to all recipients of this round of funding and thank you to community staff for the work that you carry out. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these grants in our communities.

“I encourage local clubs and not-for-profit organisations to consider their upcoming community projects and apply for funding in Round 122.”

ENDS