Almost 140 community groups, including the managers of the well-established Currimundi Hall, are set to benefit from their share of a near million-dollar funding boost.
Sporting groups, chambers of commerce, industry groups, coast guards, animal refuges, creative arts peak bodies, community centres and halls, museums and cultural heritage groups are among the 138 not-for-profit organisations developing strong relationships with Sunshine Coast Council through its Community Partnership Funding Program.
Currimundi Sport and Recreation Association, which runs the Currimundi Hall, will receive funding of $4000 a year for another three years.
CSRA president Rhondda Alexander said the annual program had breathed life into the Currimundi Hall after the group joined in 2016.
“Before we were a part of the Community Partnership (Funding) Program, we couldn’t really afford our insurance, but we managed because it was needed,” Ms Alexander said.
“The first three-year grant saved the hall, as we didn’t have as many renters then, and membership numbers had dropped.
“Because the Community Partnership runs for three years, we could accumulate enough reserve for much-needed maintenance projects.”
The Currimundi Hall, built in 1986, is thriving with fresh paint, a vibrant First Nations mural depicting local flying foxes and nesting turtles, and a full program of community activity.
“I’ve fallen in love with the hall. It’s a restful place, surrounded by trees … and it feels nice inside,” Ms Alexander said.
“It’s a hub for Currimundi, Wurtulla, Dicky Beach and Aroona residents, hosting line dancing, tai chi, indoor bowls, meditation and more.”
Fifteen organisations use Currimundi Hall for weekly activities.
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Sunshine Coast Council community portfolio councillor David Law said the council’s new cycle of multi-year operational funding strengthened its relationships with many invaluable volunteer organisations.
“By contributing to operational costs such as rent, communications and administration, the program gives community groups funding certainty,” Cr Law said.
“That means they can invest their time and energy into providing vital services to their members and the broader community.”
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Sunshine Coast Community Cooperative, which builds capacity for a wide range of other community committees, was among the other groups to receive funding.
“This group of experienced board members connects community committee members to share experience and upskill in things such as governance and how to run an effective committee through a program called the Sunshine Coast Coalition of Community Boards,” Cr Law said.
“The group helps volunteers to push through what seems daunting at first, with the support of a network and workshops.
“Volunteers learn how to be great treasurers or secretaries, and this enables them to deliver great services to their community.”
Sunshine Coast Coalition of Community Boards coordinator Mark Wischnat said securing council funding had allowed an additional workshop and development opportunities to be run, which helped retain volunteers.
“We could not provide the support we do without the council funding, and sharing ideas gives you a feeling you are not alone and shows you there are many ways to solve one problem,” Mr Wischnat said.
“The Coalition of Community Boards fills the gap in training, support and development opportunities for volunteer committee members.”
Boost to region’s wildlife carers
A host of Sunshine Coast community groups can continue to focus on caring for the region’s wildlife and natural environment, thanks to additional funding.
Nineteen groups will share in $610,000 a year for the next three years, via Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment Levy Partnership Funding Program.
The partnership provides certainty for the groups, enabling them to engage in longer-term planning and capacity building.
Sunshine Coast environment and liveability joint portfolio councillor Maria Suarez said the funding contributed to the groups’ operational expenses, allowing volunteers to continue providing a vital service to wildlife and environment, while supporting the delivery of the Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy.
Her fellow joint portfolio councillor Peter Cox said it was important to support the groups.
“These partnerships are about council working with our community to protect and enhance our natural environment as we continue to build a pathway to a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast.”
For further information about council’s partnerships and grants programs, visit council’s website here.
