- Crisafulli Government delivers nearly $20 million in grants to more than 800 not-for-profit groups across Queensland through Round 126 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
- Funding helps community groups and grassroots sporting clubs deliver vital services and activities that strengthen local communities.
- More than a quarter of successful recipients will receive the maximum available grant of $35,000.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered almost $20 million in grants to more than 800 not-for profit community organisations across Queensland in the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), with over 200 groups awarded the maximum grant of $35,000.
The program delivers support to a wide range of projects, assisting with financial costs including facility upgrades, purchasing vehicles, equipment and supplies, and delivering training programs and community events.
For more than 30 years the GCBF has distributed approximately $60 million per year directly into community services across Queensland, including sporting clubs, dedicated volunteer groups and local organisations.
Round 126 of the GCBF again attracted strong interest, with more than 2,000 applications from across the State.
Successful recipients include:
- Toowoomba City Bowls Club Inc: $35,000 to repair storm damage to the club’s bar. The multi-purpose bar area is used to serve food and beverages and collect payments. The refurbishment will improve accessibility and safety for patrons and volunteers.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Qld Section Ltd): nearly $35,000 to purchase vital medical equipment, including blood analysers and transport equipment, to assist its frontline services to provide critical care. Last financial year the RFDS provided critical care and transport to more than 2,300 patients.
- Redcliffe Junior Rugby Union Club Inc: $29,700 to purchase a robot line marker that will free-up approximately 200 volunteer hours per year, allowing volunteers to focus on coaching, development programs, and community engagement.
- Australasian Country Music Association Inc: $35,000 for installation of air conditioning in its community-built hall.
- All Stars Baseball Club Inc: $35,000 for the installation of an electronic street sign to provide members, their families, and the local community with real-time field updates and safety messages.
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the GCBF supported the organisations and people who dedicate their time to strengthening communities across Queensland.
“These organisations are at the heart of our communities, and grant funding from the GCBF ensures they can continue to operate and deliver vital services for Queenslanders,” the Attorney-General said.
“I congratulate the latest round of successful applicants and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to serving their communities. I look forward to seeing the difference this funding makes to this round’s recipients.”
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said he was proud to see organisations in his electorate benefit from the grant funding, particularly those devastated by storms.
“Organisations like the Toowoomba City Bowls Club provide much more than sport; they’re crucial for connection and social inclusion in our community. It’s fantastic to see the club will receive much needed support from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund,” Mr Watts said.
“Queenslanders are facing a national affordability crisis, and for many not-for-profit organisations, every dollar counts. Thanks to this funding, our community clubs can continue to thrive.”
Toowoomba City Bowls Club President Merv Jones said the grant funding would help the club repair storm damage to its bar area, making it safer for both members and volunteers.
“As a result of storm damage to our building’s roof, water leaks have deteriorated the main bar area, posing a safety risk to our patrons and volunteers, many of them elderly members in our community,” Mr Jones said.
“The bar is the central service point for the club and is used to serve food and drinks and take payments from members and visitors, which is essential to the overall operation of our club.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding so we can refurbish the bar, improving safety and accessibility for our members, visitors and volunteers and extending the life of our existing infrastructure.”
To view the successful Round 126 recipients, or find out more about the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and how you can apply, visit: www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants
