Investing in Queensland women grant recipients announced

More than 30 community groups are set to benefit from funding that will advance gender equality and respect for women and girls in Queensland.

Successful applicants in round one of the Investing in Queensland Women program will receive up to $15,000 to assist with the development and flexible delivery of community initiatives set to empower women.

Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman today announced the successful applicants and initiatives, which will respond to issues important to, and impacting on, women including domestic, family and sexual violence; financial independence; empowerment for women and girls; creative arts; and women’s health.

“This funding will support hard working community and sporting groups, universities, front-line services and other organisations as they continue to promote gender equality, safety and healthy futures for women across Queensland,” Minister Fentiman said.

“We are engaging in genuine conversations to strengthen partnerships across the state that will inspire and encourage the community to respect women and girls, and embrace gender equality.”

Successful applicants will use this funding for initiatives such as domestic and family violence prevention, consent and respectful relationships workshops, the distribution of educational resources to remote regions, interactive websites, and mentoring programs with sporting clubs.

“The grant funding will enable a community to host a summit to bring women together to share, learn, and develop community-led and culturally appropriate domestic and family violence action plans, while another community will create a safe space for girls to connect and engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

“A number of projects will promote leadership, respect and participation in a range of sports while others will incorporate financial independence and business success.

“Many of these events and programs have also been tailored to assist women from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the LGBTQI+ community.

“This is an important step in the government’s strategy to strengthen supports for Queensland women and address challenging issues such as safety, inclusion and success for women.”

The announcement comes during Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month where Queenslanders are reminded that everyone has a role to play in preventing DFV in the community.

Round one of the Investing in Queensland Women grants program received over 160 applications, awarding funding to areas such as Biloela, the Torres Strait Islands, Clermont, Normanton, the Wide Bay region, Caboolture and the Gold Coast.

Minister Fentiman extended her gratitude to all organisations and groups that put forward applications under round one of the grant program

“I want to congratulate all the successful recipients and applaud them for their commitment to making a positive difference to the lives of so many Queensland women,” she said.

“This is about creating a dynamic shift in community attitudes and behaviours and investing in equal futures for women.”

To learn more about the Queensland Government’s partnerships to raise awareness and prevent domestic and family violence visit www.qld.gov.au/notnownotevertogether

Applications for round two of the Investing in Queensland Women grant program will open on 1 July 2021. Round two will feature a further $270,000 in funding.

To see a full list of recipients under round one, and for further information on future rounds, visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/grants-for-queensland-women

ENDS

Media contact: Penni Pappas – 0438 747 540