Grant helps cancer patients look and feel better

The Cancer Patients Foundation’s Look Good Feel Better program was one of 25 projects supported by council’s Community Grants, injecting $274,318 into the community.

The grants were ratified at today’s ordinary meeting of council.

The Look Good Feel Better program uses cosmetically-trained volunteers to run workshops with cancer patients covering skin care, make-up and head wear.

They also provide home-delivered “confidence kits” complete with instructions.

Community Grants Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said grants were awarded for community events and initiatives as well as everything from small equipment purchases to minor infrastructure projects valued up to $30,000.

“It was pleasing to see these grants support deserving community groups and organisations across the region,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“A $6500 grant will help our local fish stocking association to buy an 800-litre water tank trailer which will allow them to bring in barramundi fingerlings from hatcheries further afield with considerable cost savings,” he said.

“The trailer can also be used to transport local hatchery-grown fish for release into our waterways and for educational demonstrations at schools.”

Cr Bonaventura said it was also sensational to be able to offer support to grassroots not-for-profits at a time when many clubs were hurting financially.

“Something as simple as helping the Bakers Creek AFL Club to replace their 30-year-old mower at a time when they need a hand really means a lot,” he said.

“And there are dozens of other projects across the region that the grants have helped, from renovations at the Mackay Women’s Centre to supporting the Eungella Birdweek events, replacing the Pioneer Valley Show Hall’s roof and supporting a touch football competition for Sarina.”

A complete list of projects funded under the community grants program is as follows:

• Mackay Advocacy Inc, $3500 for office equipment
• Mackay Veteran Golfers Association Inc, $1805 towards the Open Veterans Competition
• Starlet Royales Baton Twirling Assoc Inc, $1466 for folding acromats and wedges
• Mackay Women's Centre, $25,000 for kitchen and car park renovations
• Magpies Netball Club Mackay, $4000 for development courses for volunteer officials, coaches etc
• Birdlife Mackay, $1500 for Eungella Birdweek
• International Men's Day Mackay Inc, $2700 towards an International Men’s Day Celebratory Breakfast
• Spinal Life Australia, $7500 for a capacity review
• Finch Hatton Primary P&C Association, $10,000 for a playgroup facilities upgrade
• Mackay Lions Soccer Club, $30,000 for an equipment and machinery shed
• Mackay Kart Club, $17,500 for the replacement of a ride-on mower
• Mackay Gymnastics Club Inc, $12,500 for two industrial scale fans
• Bakers Creek AFL Club, $18,000 to replace their mower
• Cancer Patients Foundation, $7000 for confidence kits and workshops
• The Pioneer Community Kindergarten and Pre-School Inc, $20,000 for the replacement of a fort
• Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society Inc, $20,516 to replace the Show Hall roof
• Brothers Cricket Club Mackay Inc, $29,850 to build a four-lane cricket facility at the Bridge Road Vigoro Grounds
• Sarina Crocs Touch Football Alliance, $3245 towards a touch football competition
• Volunteer Marine Rescue Midge Point Inc, $4500 to furnish a new room
• Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League (Mackay) Inc, $15,000 to top dress their fields
• Habana and Districts Progress Association Inc, $7017 towards a mower, brush cutter and shed modifications
• Southern Suburbs Cricket Club Inc, $9645 for refurbishments of cricket net facility at Abbott Park
• Pioneer Tennis Inc, $14,550 for LED court lighting a 6 Leisure Court
• Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Inc, $6500 for a trailer with 800-litre water tank
• Mackay Host Lions Club, $1023 to replace the canopy top on their catering van.