Grants benefit volunteer community groups in time for Christmas: Fraser

13 December 2007

Grants benefit volunteer community groups in time for Christmas: Fraser

Christmas has arrived early for hundreds of community organisations across the state which will share in more than $8.4 million as part of the 55^th round of the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser today announced the grant recipients - stretching from Cleveland to Cairns – who will receive funding of up to $30,000 each.

“This is a funding program that gives back to all of those grass roots not-for-profit groups, not only ensuring that gambling revenue is redistributed in the community but helping to relieve the fundraising burden they often face,” Mr Fraser said.

“The grants are available to all community groups and cover a range of expenses - from the upgrade and refurbishment of community facilities to the purchase of equipment.

“It’s particularly apt that this final funding round for the year comes just before the Christmas because it’s a time for groups like these not only to reflect on the achievements of the year just past, but to look forward to what the year ahead will hold.

“At this time many volunteer groups will be balancing their organisational and family responsibilities and it’s my hope that the financial boost that they will receive from these grants will make their task that little bit easier.”

A sample of the successful recipients in this funding round gives an indication of the scope and diversity of the projects that receive support. They include:

• The Jacob’s Well Volunteer Marine Rescue which will receive $29,697 for new facilities and equipment
• The Trinity Bay State High P and C which will receive $30,000 for a new multipurpose area
• Dalrymple Friends of the Theatre in Charters Towers which will receive $28,392 for new lighting
• The Redlands Gymnastics Club which will receive $29,506 for new equipment
• The Endeavour Foundation in the Sunshine Coast area which will receive $29,940 for renovations
• The Volunteer Coast Guard in Thirsty Sound which receives $30,000 for a new vehicle
• Blue Care at Toowong which receives $30,000 for new medical equipment

Mr Fraser said following this round of grant allocations, the Fund has now provided about $359.6 million to more than 31,198 community projects since its inception in 1994.

Levies generated from Golden Casket lotteries, wagering, keno, and gaming machines are redistributed through the Fund, ensuring the whole State, on balance, derives tangible benefits from gambling revenue.

The Fund awards one-off grants of up to $30,000 to Queensland not-for-profit organisations to enhance their capacity to deliver services in their local community.

Almost all not-for-profit groups in Queensland are eligible to apply and applications from both large and small organisations are considered.

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).

Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 3224 5982