Gambling Grants Boost Community Groups

Published Tuesday, 10 October, 2006 at 10:34 AM

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh

More than $8.5 million has been awarded to 526 community organisations in the 51st round of the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh announced today.

“With financial support from the Fund in this latest round, one-off projects for musical groups, school associations and sporting organisations can now become a reality for local communities,” Ms Bligh said.

“Gambling levies placed on Golden Casket lotteries, wagering, keno, and gaming machines are redistributed to Queensland’s communities through the Fund, a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that on balance the whole State benefits from gambling.”

“Projects funded by these levies have wide-reaching benefits, boosting the ability of not-for-profit organisations to provide services, facilities and opportunities for Queenslanders right across the State.”

In addition to community support provided by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, the State Government has established a number of responsible gambling initiatives, outlined in the Queensland Responsible Gambling Strategy.

A key element of the Strategy is the Code of Practice, developed by the Responsible Gambling Advisory Committee, which focuses on consumer protection and responsible gambling practices.

In the latest round, groups receiving Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants include:

Organisation

Purpose

Amount

·Queensland Jewish Community Services Inc

Purchase vehicle

$29,599

·Queensland Landcare Foundation Ltd

Purchase laptop & software

$4,266

·Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture & Trauma Assoc Inc

Towards relocation costs

$30,000

·Womensport Queensland Assoc Inc

Policy review & purchase office equipment

$19,006

Since its inception in 1994, the Gambling Community Benefit Fund has distributed $316 million to more than 29,000 community projects.

For more information on the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, or to obtain a funding application package, visit www.gcbf.qld.gov.au, or call (07) 3247 4284 or 1800 633 619 (freecall outside Brisbane).

Visit www.responsiblegambling.qld.gov.au to find out more about the State Government’s Queensland Responsible Gambling Strategy.

Media contact Deputy Premier's Office 3224 4379