Foundation receives grant to boost support for cancer patients

Published: 13 May 2022

The Trudy Crowley Foundation Cancer Support Centre has been supporting more than 80 families impacted by cancer with a single donated iPad.

Now though, thanks to a $11,600 council Community Grant, the vital centre will be able to purchase and install IT equipment, Wi-Fi and a digital presentation system.

Community Grants Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said the funds would also go towards the development of a website, which will link people to the centre to assist with early intervention and information sharing.

“The Foundation has a free-of-charge counsellor who will use this equipment and internet to offer online therapeutic support,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“This will, in turn, decrease the need for clients to travel and increase their comfort and quality of life,” he said.

“The committee was very pleased to be able to support this application.”

All up, $180,536 worth of Community Grants was distributed to 12 not-for-profit groups, and $8324 worth of Small Equipment Grants was distributed to six groups.

Another grant was awarded to a group on the edge of council’s northern boundary, the Midge Point Fishing and Recreational Club.

“It’s great to be able to contribute $1800 towards a ‘take a kid fishing day’ run by the club on the front beach at Midge Point for up to 100 kids,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“Grassroots events like this can get kids hooked on fishing and the outdoors for life and they often give children, who would never normally have the chance, an opportunity to learn fishing skills.”

Cr Bonaventura said the southern end of the region had also featured in this funding round.

“The Koumala Community Hall Committee are a small but hard-working group that provides a great community hall facility for residents,” he said.

“This committee operates on a shoestring budget, so it’s great to be able to approve a $6500 grant towards a kitchen upgrade for the facility.

“It was also fantastic to be able to support Kucom Theatre with a grant in the minor infrastructure and assets category.

“The group received $30,000 towards the purchase and installation of retractable seating at the Snow Wright Court theatre.”

The full list of grants issued also includes:

  • Mackay Kennel Club Inc - $7120 towards the purchase of a computer equipment, iPads and a portable loudspeaker system
  • Mackay Family History Society Inc – $3365 towards the purchase of laptops and monitors for use at the Old Town Hall premises
  • Mackay District Target Rifle Association Inc – $20,520 towards the fabrication of a mobile small-bore rifle shooting unit, complete with targets and bullet traps at the Mount Vince Shooting Complex
  • Mackay Hospital Foundation – $7500 towards the Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at BB Print Stadium
  • Bakers Creek AFL Club – $30,000 towards upgrading/renovating the existing two light poles at the Pattinson Lane grounds
  • Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc – $9743 towards the replacement of two roller doors on the clubhouse storage room at Mackay Harbour
  • Lions Club of Mackay Host – $8300 towards the installation of an air-conditioner, solar roof vents and motorised door openers, and an electrical upgrade to the shed in Loughnane Court.
  • Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc – $30,000 towards the upgrading and/or replacement of aging IT office equipment at the Gregory Street office
  • Mackay Gymnastics Incorporated – $5000 towards updating the outdated stereo/PA system at the Snow Wright Court building.
  • The Neighbourhood Hub Integrated Family Support (IFS) Hub – $6000 towards the ‘Boost’ Early Years Program

Small equipment grants were also awarded to:

  • YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – $1500 towards the purchase of two laptops
  • Mackay City Hawks Inc. Australian Rules Football Club – $1500 towards the purchase of an ice machine
  • Nanyima Aged Care – $1500 towards the purchase of a lawnmower and hedge trimmer.
  • Kidney Support Network –$1500 towards the purchase of a countertop refrigerated display unit
  • 52 Squash and Fitness Club Incorporated – $1500 towards the purchase of a camera to affix to court 1
  • Calen Trail and Horse Sports Inc – $824.44 towards the purchase of emergency kits, including snake bite bandage, portable UHF radios and a large storage bag.