$90,000 helps community groups keep on giving

Sunshine Coast Council has granted 55 community groups a share in more than $90,000 thanks to its Minor Grants program which plays an integral role in supporting community groups and their projects.

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said Minor Grants supported not-for-profit community organisations with one-off projects, events and activities that benefited the Sunshine Coast community.

“Not-for-profit groups are vital to building stronger communities and we acknowledge the contribution these groups and their volunteers make in our community,” Cr Law said.

“In this round, funding has been awarded for a range of activities, including community facility upgrades, equipment purchases and affordable community events, all of which help ensure community members can continue to come together.”

One community group set to benefit is the LGBTI Community Ageing Network for their upcoming event I'm Still Standing - Stay Well, Stay Connected, Stay in Control.

The free one-day forum aims to inform, educate, and empower members of the senior LGBTI community around the importance of keeping healthy, maintaining social connections and understanding future planning options.

Co Chair LGBTI Community Ageing Network Jenny Sargent said the group was thrilled to receive a helping hand.

“The event has been designed to connect older members of the LGTBI community with health, wellbeing and supportive services that provide guidance and assistance to the community as they age,” Ms Sargent said.

“This engaging and interactive forum will provide Sunshine Coast LGBTI seniors with information resulting in healthier and empowered individuals who are more likely to engage in society.”

Other successful grant applicants included:

Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club Inc. $1300 towards first aid training for members (Division 1)
Happy Community Network, Inc. $2000 towards their family-friendly cultural event in August celebrating Japanese culture (Division 2)
Currimundi United Football Club Inc. $2000 to replace their field line marking machine (Division 3)
Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club Inc. $1220 to purchase 11 new Surf Life Saving Australia approved life jackets for surf life savers (Division 4)
The Maleny Contract Bridge Club Inc. $682 to conduct CPR and defibrillator training for club volunteers (Division 5)
Sunshine Coast Art Group Inc. $1200 to hold a two-day Crystalline Glaze Workshop (Division 6)
Maroochydore Football Club Inc. $2000 to install non-slip flooring (Division 7)
Twin Waters Residents' Association Inc. $2000 to hold the annual family-friendly community celebration (Division 8)
Coolum Beach Bowls Club Inc. $1610 for their five-week coaching and skill development clinic. (Division 9)
Nambour Community Centre Inc. $2000 towards their Get Ready Queensland - Sunshine Coast CALDcommunity video project to create and distribute awareness of the need for disaster preparedness to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities on the Sunshine Coast (Division 10).

The full list of grant recipients can be found on the council website.

Visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/grants for more information about the Grants Programs.

Image description: Sue, Joss and Jenny representing LGBTI Community Ageing Network