Good grants news for Queensland community groups

The Domestic Violence Resource Service in Mackay is one of 16 not-for-profit organisations across the Mackay-Whitsunday region that will share in more than $410,000 from the latest round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) grants.

Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman visited the Domestic Violence Resource Service who received $34,317 to purchase a motor vehicle.

“Making sure organisations like the Domestic Violence Resource Service has the support to reach more women and families will benefit the local community,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The Service does incredible work providing much needed assistance such as counselling, court support as well as providing donations of food hampers and household items to vulnerable women and families in the Mackay region.

“We know during COVID-19 the demand on our hardworking domestic violence support services increased significantly.

“That’s why we provided a funding boost of more than $51,000 during the pandemic and a further $142,550 this year to support the wonderful work they do supporting women and families escaping violence.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert shared the good news and congratulated the successful recipients.

“These grants deliver real services and projects that benefit our local community,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The funding will be used for projects such as new lighting at the Galaxy Netball Club, animal rescue training for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service and new wakeboards for Watersports Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is extremely grateful for the role the organisations play in supporting minority groups, creating opportunities, and fostering community spirit and connectivity.”

Executive Director of the Mackay Domestic Violence Resource Service Linda-Ann Northey said this grant will help the service with transportation of furniture and household items for women escaping violence as well as increase their crisis support work.

“The new utility vehicle will assist us to more effectively manage the organisation of and participation in local community events, and to access items for vulnerable families,” Ms Northey said.

“We will be able to purchase the vehicle thanks to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund along with an extra $15,000 provided by the Aurizon Network.

“Our service couldn’t have done this on our own, and the vehicle provision will make such a difference to clients and services across our region.”

There were 448 successful recipients across Queensland to share in almost $11 million under the latest round (110) of the GCBF.

The Attorney-General reminded organisations that round 112 is open for applications until 31 October and that we are just one round away from 2022’s round 113 – the super round.

“Next year is an exciting year for the GCBF, with the first-time inclusion of a super round when grants of up to $100,000 will be up for grabs,” Minister Fentiman said.

“I can’t wait to see the fruits of the hard work of these community groups, with a little help from their GCBF grants, in the future.”

Please visit: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants/successful-applications for more information, including:

• a full list of round 110 grant recipients
• funding guidelines for round 112
• more information on the super round (round 113).

For any questions about an application or using your grant, please contact cbf@justice.qld.gov.au or 1800 633 619 (free call) and follow them on Facebook to receive regular updates.

Dropbox link with photo of Attorney General Shannon Fentiman, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Resource Service Linda-Ann Northey and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bru5i0wqkfma5vy/Shannon%20Fentiman%20Linda-Ann%20Northey%20and%20Julieanne%20Gilbert.jpg?dl=0

ENDS

Media contact:                                       Inga Williams                      0439 949 719

All other enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)