A selection of not-for-profit groups impacted by wild weather on the greater Sunshine Coast have received state funding.
The Nambour and Hinterland Australian Football Club, Bribie Island Junior AFL Club and The Sunshine Coast Association For Sustainable Communities are among the hundreds of groups, statewide, to receive cash from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for key projects.
The Nambour and Hinterland Australian Football Club has received $100,000 to build coaches boxes. Players and volunteers have been without shelter after the oval was inundated multiple times, with floodwaters entering the sheds and damaging vital training equipment.
The Bribie Island Junior AFL Club received $100,000 to improve safety and access to fields, with the installation of new long-term energy efficient LED field lighting, after its field lights were damaged by heavy rainfall associated with ex-Cyclone Alfred.
The Sunshine Coast Association For Sustainable Communities received $100,000 to install cement access roads and drainage system to restore access and protect gardens after extensive flood damage.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington was pleased to see groups recovering from natural disasters.
“Queenslanders have an unbreakable spirit, but when you’re hit by a natural disaster like a cyclone or a major flood, it can be hard to get back on your feet,” she said.
“I hope the grants bring a sense of renewal … and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the funds will make.”
Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said she was proud to support the benefit fund after Bribie Island had recently been devastated by storms.
“Now more than ever our grassroot clubs need support and I know these grants will make a meaningful difference as we head into the new year,” Ms Doolan said.
Bribie Island Junior AFL Club President Danielle McGrath said the upgrade would have a meaningful impact on the club, players, and the wider community.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive a grant of this scale,” she said.
“The funding will allow us to strengthen and sustain our grassroots pathways while providing safe, high quality facilities that will benefit the players and community for decades to come.”
The benefit fund is Queensland’s largest one-off funding program and distributes about $60 million each year.
