Not-for-profit groups and community organisations have received welcome funding boosts, in a rapidly growing area of the Sunshine Coast.
Stockland’s Aura awarded 12 groups in the Caloundra region a combined $454,598, as part of the ongoing Stockland Aura Community Grants Program.
This year marked the third round of the program, which has supported local interest groups, parent groups, sports clubs and community associations.
Grants could be used for one-off projects or to deliver an ongoing service.
Mark Stephens, the Senior Environment and Community Development Manager Stockland, said the funding boost was “absolutely fantastic.”
Among those to benefit is the Windansea Boardriders Club.
“They’ll be getting financial contribution to build a clubhouse to support surfers on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Stephens said.
Funds will also be available to the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
“They’re preparing to run a mental health program to support young businesses who have been impacted from COVID,” Mr Stephens said.
“And there are some great environmental projects (to support), such as waterway clean-up projects.”
Three types of grants were available, including $1000 to $5000, $5001 to 10,000 and $10,001 to $50,000.
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Applicants needed to demonstrate how their program or service delivers outcomes for the local community, including increasing health and happiness, supporting the environment, developing local skills and talent, and fostering a sense of local community.
More than $1.1 million has been gifted via the program during the past four years.
It is is a commitment outlined in Stockland’s Infrastructure Agreement for Aura, which is a collaboration between the Sunshine Coast Council, the State Government and Stockland that will see the developer invest more than $1.3 billion in local infrastructure during the life of Aura.
On completion, Aura is set to boast more than 20,000 new homes, two business parks, 10 sporting grounds, 25 community facilities, 20 educational facilities, and 700 hectares of conservation areas and parkland. The project will contribute around 20,000 new jobs to the Sunshine Coast region.
Grant recipients
- Arts Assoc. Inc.
- Wildlife Queensland – Sunshine Cst & Hinterland
- Bamboo Projects Education Ltd.
- Windansea Boardriders Club
- Kairos Community College (CYEO)
- GATEWAY CARE LIMITED
- Aura Connected
- Baringa Football Club
- Caloundra Community Centre
- Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
- Landsborough School of Arts Memorial Hall Ass Inc
- Mooloolah River Waterwatch and Landcare Inc.
