$280,000 cash splash for community

Published: 13 Nov 2019

Community groups in the Mackay region received a cash injection of more than $280,000 during today’s ordinary meeting of council.

Funding was awarded under three categories of council’s Community Grants: small equipment (up to $1500), community initiatives, programs, events and upgrades (up to $7500) and a new minor infrastructure and assets category (up to $30,000).

One of the organisations to receive a $30,000 grant was the Mackay Riding for The Disabled Association.

Cr Fran Mann said the club would use the grant to construct a roof over their riding arena.

“Organisations like Riding for the Disabled do amazing work, and this grant will allow them to create a covered space to protect riders from the elements,” Cr Mann said.

The Mackay Netball Association also received $30,000 for renovations at Leisure Street Hall.

Cr Mann said the Mackay Community Visitors Association was another recipient that performed a vital community service.

“The group provides care and support to not only the elderly but also to younger NDIS participants,” she said.

“Their work really helps to decrease isolation in the lives of those they transport.

“They received a $24,750 grant which will help them to replace one of their current transport vehicles.”

Rowallan Park’s amenities facilities are also set to get an upgrade thanks to the Hibiscus Coast District Scouts receiving $27,147.

“This is a big win for the wider community, not just Scouts, as that facility is used by many groups and clubs in our region, like the SES, MAD Mountain Bike Club, schools and even for public events like ‘Obstacle Hell’,” said Cr Mann.

Also receiving grants were:

  • Mackay Softball Association - $1450 for new laptops
  • Mackay Society of Model Engineers - $14,300 for a shed extension
  • Mackay Pioneer BMX Club - $3800 for track lighting maintenance
  • Mackay Canoe Club - $4586.37 for the purchase of three Epic V7 skis
  • AM Media Consultants Pty Ltd - $1100 for Mackay Special Children's Christmas Party
  • Kidney Support Network - $1500 for office equipment
  • Bloomsbury Soldiers Memorial Hall Association - $7500 for toilet block improvements
  • YIRS One Stop Youth Shop - $7000 for a Structured program to assist disadvantaged youth to gain their Learner License
  • Rugby League Mackay & District - $4800 for the development of a business plan
  • Mackay Regional Community Legal Centre - $1467 for new filing cabinets
  • The Neighbourhood Hub - $7,500 for an Early Years Health and Wellbeing Program
  • Pioneer Valley Machinery Preservationists Society - $6149 for the purchase of a purpose-built trailer
  • C&K Eimeo Road Community Kindergarten - $460 for an iPad
  • Sarina Surf Life Saving Club - $7500 for the Cruisin' the Coast Fun Run and Walk
  • Mackay Community Garden - $7500 for the installation of a standalone solar system
  • Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association - $1500 for computer equipment
  • Mackay NAIDOC - $7500 for the 2019 Mackay Family Day
  • C&K Mackay Children and Family Centre - $5706 for trauma training of educators
  • Mackay Kennel Club - $7500 for the Centenary Show and show weekend
  • Sarina Gold Club - $17,400 for a new mower
  • QCWA Branch Mackay - $4919 for computer equipment
  • Iona West Men's Shed - $2194 for upgrading their bandsaw
  • Pinnacle Cricket Club - $7500 for the replacement of a cricket pitch
  • Mackay Wanderers Football Club - $7500 for a new mower
  • Pioneer River Valley Hack and Pony Club - $3000 for developing a business plan
  • Sugarshed Road Horse Sports Club - $3000 for developing a business plan
  • 21 Degrees South Multisport Association - $1838 for orienteering equipment
  • Finch Hatton Progress Association - $5275 for Finch Hatton Christmas Lights 2019
  • Mackay Contract Bridge Club - $5776 for replacing an air conditioner
  • Autism Queensland Limited - $5761 for four iPads
  • St Pauls Mackay - $6000 for upgrading electrics, lights and fans in the church
  • Road Accident Action Group - $2200 for a new computer

The second and final round of council’s Community Grant (also worth $280,000) for the year is open now and applications close on May 1, 2020.

For more information or apply.