Grants fund significant community events and regional upgrades

All up, 23 groups shared in the funds, with grants ranging from $576 for an EPIRB and GPS for the Breakaway Horse Riders Club to $10,000 to help fund the Sarina Surf Life Saving Club’s Cruisin’ the Coast Fun Run.

Two substantial grants went towards upgrading regional infrastructure.

The Finch Hatton Airstrip Association received $10,000 to upgrade their airstrip and the Koumala Progress Association received $7343 to erect power poles and flood lights to illuminate the area’s Basketball Association, SES Shed and Bushman’s Carnival Association clubhouse.

Several exciting events and workshops were also funded.

The Trudy Crowley Association’s Twilight Dinner received $2500 and Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group received $8266 towards an Intrepid Way Workshop aimed at engaging young people in land care.

RACQ CQ Rescue also received $5000 towards the Emergency Services Day at Harrup Park, which last year attracted about 5000 people and this year is scheduled for April 28.

Mackay Athletics Club successfully applied for $5000 for athletics equipment upgrades and to upgrade the PA system at the athletics clubhouse of the new Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex.

The club will use the funds to equip the existing PA with wireless microphones for use at medal presentations, on field announcements and track event starts.

Full list of grant recipients:

Mackay & District Orchid Society Inc - $1000

Mackay Central State School Parents & Citizen Association - $4717

Mackay Athletics Club Inc - $5000

Mackay Rowing Club Inc - $4160

Mackay Veteran Golfers Association Inc - $2945

Kidney Support Network - $1000

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc - $4257

Sarina Surf Life Saving Club - $10,000

Koumala Progress Association Inc - $7345

Shed Happens, G'day Mate Inc- Mackay Chapter - $4200

Breakaway Horse Riders Club Inc - $576

Bakers Creek Australian Football Club Inc - $2200

Koumala & District Bushman's Carnival Association Inc. - $826

The Scout Association of Australia - Qld Branch Inc (Hibiscus Coast District) - $2050

Mackay Family History Society Inc - $676

Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association Inc - $1600

Mackay Riding for Disabled Association - $4158

Film & Arts Mackay Inc - $2000

The Trudy Crowley Foundation - $2500

Finch Hatton Airstrip Association Inc - $10,000

RACQ CQ Rescue - $5000

Leap Yakapari District Development Association Inc - $9375

Pioneer Catchment & Landcare Group Inc - $8266