GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY PROJECTS FUNDED FOR 2009 CELEBRATIONS

THE Queensland Government will provide $20,000 in grants for two projects by Griffith University commemorating Queensland’s 150^th birthday in 2009, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

Mr Beattie said Griffith University’s Multi-Faith Centre and Griffith Film School were among 45 recipients in the first round of the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program announced today.

The Multi-Faith Centre has been granted $10,000 to create a website and publications that recognise the important role of interfaith dialogue in enhancing understanding and building respect between all faith groups in Queensland.

“Queensland is comprised of many different faiths and 2009 is the ideal time to promote discussion and understanding between groups,” Mr Beattie said.

Also receiving $10,000 is the Griffith Film School at the Queensland College of Art. The School will compile a narrated DVD showcasing a history of filmmaking and television in Queensland.

"Queensland Films 1930 - 1960: from the Talkies to Television” will feature footage from the 30 years between the coming of sound in Queensland and the start of television broadcasting and production in the state, tracing the achievements of the State’s pioneering filmmakers.

“Queensland’s 150^th birthday means different things to different people, so it provides the opportunity to celebrate every aspect of our culture. These two projects demonstrate the diversity of projects in 2009,” Mr Beattie said.

Mr Beattie said other community groups and educational institutions would also be eligible to access funds for events and programs in 2009.

“While a number of projects with State-wide significance are being planned by the Queensland Government for 2009, we recognise that the success of the year of celebrations depends on participation at a truly grass-roots community level,” he said.

“The government has allocated $4 million to the 150^th Celebrations Community Funding Program, which will provide grants of between $2,000 and $10,000 over three rounds between now and 2009.

“I urge all communities to consider the projects they would like to undertake to mark our 150^th birthday and apply for rounds two and three of this scheme.”

Nominations for the second round of grants will open in February next year, with the third and final round opening in June 2008.

Details on the grants program are available from the Queensland’s 150^th Celebrations website – www.q150.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500