Benefit fund takes the chill out of winter for community groups

Nearly 500 Queensland community groups will share in more than $9 million in funding from the latest round of the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, Treasurer Andrew Fraser announced today.

Mr Fraser today announced grants of up to $30,000 each for the community groups from the Fund’s 57th round.

“The Gambling Community Benefit Fund helps grass roots community and not-for-profit groups better deliver services to their local community,” Mr Fraser said.

“These groups form the backbone of many communities across the State.

“To deliver their services, these groups rely on the volunteer efforts and goodwill of their community.”

Mr Fraser said the Gambling Community Benefit Fund invested in community groups to enhance their ability to provide services, leisure activities and opportunities to Queenslanders in their local communities.

Some of the successful recipients include:

• Aboriginal & Islanders Independent Community School Parents & Friends Association in Acacia Ridge will receive $23,729 to purchase a vehicle
• African Communities Association Gold Coast in Southport will receive $27,568 to purchase a camera and filming equipment
• Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group in Cherbourg will receive $5,227 to purchase portable display cases and furniture
• Darling Downs Moviemakers in Toowoomba will receive $4,797 to purchase a projector and screen
• Eimeo Road State School Parents & Citizens Association in Eimeo will receive $30,000 to purchase playground equipment
• Fraser Coast Housing Services in Maryborough will receive $30,000 to purchase vehicles
• Gympie Gymnastics Club in Gympie will receive $16,824 towards the thermal painting of a roof
• Hughenden Kindergarten Association in Hughenden will receive $7,369 to purchase equipment
• Innisfail Woodworkers Guild in Innisfail will receive $13,046 to install a dust extraction system
• Intellectually Handicapped Persons Association in Burpengary will receive $19,740 to purchase a vehicle
• Townsville Citizens Band Association in Townsville will receive $25,744 to purchase musical instruments.

Following the 57th round of grant allocations, the Fund has provided over $377 million to more than 32,950 community projects since its inception. Funding is sourced from taxes collected on Golden Casket lotteries, wagering, keno and gaming machines.

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

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