GAMBLING GRANT FLOORS RUPERTSWOOD COMMUNITY GROUP

Floors of the Rupertswood Community Hall have had a makeover thanks to a grant under the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said the Rupertswood Progress Association received $20,920 to upgrade the floor in the 53^rd round of the GCBF in April this year.

Under the GCBF, gambling levies placed on Golden Casket lotteries, wagering, keno, and gaming machines are redistributed to Queensland’s communities.

One-off grants of up to $30,000 are available to not-for-profit community groups.

Mr Wallace the Rupertswood project was a good example of an organisation which, on their own, would not have been able to afford the flooring project.

“The Queensland Government was happy to be able to help, and I hope the new floors see many more years of service to the Rupertswood community,” he said.

Mr Wallace said the floor would be on show this Sunday at a Market and Car Boot Sale, being held in the hall grounds from 2pm to 5pm and residents were urged to go along and help celebrate.

“The Gambling Community Benefit Fund demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that on balance the whole State benefits from gambling.

“The projects that are funded have wide-reaching benefits, boosting the ability of not-for-profit organisations to provide services, facilities and opportunities for Queenslanders right across the State.”

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

The closing date for applications for the 56^th GCBF round is 30 September 2007.

Applications for the following round will close on 31 December.

For more information or to obtain a funding application package, visit www.gcbf.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 633 619.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0414 213 954.