Dragons soar and nippers cheer after funding boost
An all-abilities surf safety program, cultural festival in need of dragons and lions and a helpful idea to link visitors with local businesses are among the projects to receive a welcome funding boost.
An all-abilities surf safety program, cultural festival in need of dragons and lions and a helpful idea to link visitors with local businesses are among the projects to receive a welcome funding boost.
The funds, from Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Grants Program, will help groups making a difference purchase equipment and run a variety of programs and projects.
Funding categories include community development, community facilities, creative development, cultural heritage, economic development and sport and recreation.
The Sunshine Coast Chinese Association received funding towards the purchase of dragon and lion dance equipment that will come to life in the annual Moon Fest and other multicultural activities.
The organisation has successfully held events across the region and plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Chinese culture on the Sunshine Coast.
A total of 80 community groups will benefit from Council’s Community Grants Program, which saw more than $133,000 awarded in its latest round.
Blackall Range Business & Tourism Association received funding to print free maps for distribution through information centres across the Sunshine Coast, helping tourists to explore the region, find accommodation, discover activities and support local businesses.
Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club was given a helping hand to purchase sporting and play equipment for their ‘Pippies’ Nippers Aquatic Inclusion Program.
The program focuses on beach and water safety for children and youth of all abilities.
Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club representative Mrs Lorelle Warner said the program provided children and youth with disabilities, and their family/carer, the opportunity to participate in a recreational activity connecting them with the community through involvement in outdoor physical activity.
“The program was trialled earlier this year with great success and we will be running the program again next year,” Mrs Warner said.
“People with a disability face many barriers to participation in community activities and the program aims to break down barriers to aquatic recreation and engage the participants through water and beach activities in a friendly, non-threatening and safe environment.
“We thank Sunshine Coast Council for their ongoing commitment to accessibility and providing funding for the club to purchase equipment needed to run the program.”
Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said it was wonderful to see the large number and variety of projects that received funding this year.
“It’s great to see many programs benefiting from Council’s Community Grants Program, especially since the endorsement of Council’s All Abilities Action Plan,” Cr Law said.
“The Madeline Stuart Foundation was another community group who received funding to help with their disability-led theatre production – EMBRACE, which is scheduled for February next year.
“Congratulations to all recipients!”
View the full list of Minor Grant recipients on Council’s website.
Community groups will be able to apply for Major and Minor Grant funding next year. Visit Council’s website for more information and when grants will be open for applications.