Far North Queensland community groups to gain from Gambling Grants

Published Tuesday, 10 October, 2006 at 10:40 AM

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

More than $300,000 has been awarded to 66 Far North Queensland not-for-profit groups in the latest funding round of the Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh announced today.

Ms Bligh said the latest grants would provide much needed funds for the many hard-working community groups of the region, particularly for those groups affected by the devastation of Cyclone Larry.

“Fund-raising capabilities for community groups have been severely impacted in the wake of Cyclone Larry, so these grants will help many organisations continue their work in providing important community services and activities,” Ms Bligh said.

“Pony clubs, dance associations and sporting organisations are just some of the groups to receive a grant in this round, enabling purchases and projects that will help many Far North Queenslanders.”

“Assisting these groups through the Fund is just one of the ways the Queensland Government ensures that on balance the State benefits from gambling.”

Grant recipients include:

Organisation	Purpose	Amount
Earlville Pony Club Inc	Clubhouse repairs	$5,975
Cairns Rock 'n' Beat 'n' Boogie Dance Association Inc	A projector, computer and sound equipment	$3,508
Marlin Coast Branch Little Athletics Centre Inc	Hurdles and high jump mats	$5,116
Yabu Mija Aboriginal Corporation	Office equipment and furniture	$4,000

The Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund is generated from a levy placed on gaming revenue from the Reef Casino in Cairns and provides a great example of the Queensland Government working in partnership with the wider community.

Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund Chairperson Peter Martinuzzi said since the Fund began over $4 million has been approved for 886 Far North Queensland-based projects.

“The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that every dollar allocated benefits the community and allows groups to continue their valuable work within local communities,” Mr Martinuzzi said.

The Fund has two rounds per year, closing in December and July, and services an area from Cardwell to Far North Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands.

For more about the successful grants for this funding round, or for information about applying for a Reef Hotel Casino Community Benefit Fund grant, visit www.cairnscasinocbf.com, email reefcbf@bigpond.com or telephone 0412 514 780.

Media contact Deputy Premier's Office 3224 4379