Grants add sparkle to community group milestone celebrations

Celebration events, including a 100th birthday, beanies and blankets to support those in need, First Nations storytelling and a beginners tennis clinic will bring joy and comfort to many in our community with support from Council’s grants program.

Sunshine Coast Council Minor Grants Program has allocated $129,184 in funding to local community groups, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable region.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Taylor Bunnag said the Community Grants Program was a testament to the incredible work our community groups and volunteers do.

“For this minor grant round we received a record-breaking number of applications, with 88 community organisations receiving support for their projects and events,” Cr Bunnag said.

“Among the recipients are two notable organisations celebrating significant anniversaries, including the Old Witta School Community Centre celebrating 100 years and Mountain Quilters celebrating 40 years.”

Old Witta School Community Centre Inc. received funding for equipment hire to support the centre’s 100-year anniversary celebration on June 8, 2025. The event will feature guest speakers, historical displays and a classroom set-up reflecting its original layout, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past.

Mountain Quilters Inc. was awarded its funding request to produce promotional collateral for their Quilt Show to celebrate its 40^th birthday in 2025.

Wooden floors in a room full of colourful artwork and paterned rugs on display on poles. Green lush plants on display.

Mountain Quilters treasurer Maree Anderson said the show would focus on the club’s success over the past four decades.

“The Quilt Show will be held at the Peachester Community Hall on June 20 and 21 with more than 100 quilts, which belong to members, on display,” Mrs Anderson said.

“Some of the quilts have won significant awards recognising design and quality of work.

“The Community Grant we have received will help us with our marketing cost for the show to ensure we gain maximum attendance at the event, and we thank Sunshine Coast Council for your help.”

Quilt made by club members to be raffled at the 2025 Quilt Show with proceeds to go to Beerwah Schools Chaplaincy.

Cr Bunnag said these events celebrated the rich history and creativity of our community and brought people together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

“We are thrilled to support these initiatives and look forward to many more successful projects in the future,"

This minor round, with funding up to $2000, supports projects that align with Council’s corporate priorities, focusing on community, economic development and environmental sustainability.

The grant program aims to acknowledge and strengthen the valuable contributions of community groups and their volunteers.

For more information about the Community Grants Program and how to apply in 2025, please visit Council’s website.

Other community projects funded under Council’s Minor Grants program include:

Maleny District Senior Citizens' Club Inc. received $2,000 to purchase wool to create blankets, beanies, scarves and gloves which are then donated to local community organisations.
Panamuna Outrigger Canoe Club received $2,000 to replace four sets of canoe hull slings.
Eumundi Residents Association Inc received $2,000 for a festival highlighting First Nations voices through storytelling, poetry and workshops, fostering community connections and local arts.
Sunshine Coast Ladies Mid-week Tennis Association Inc received $2,000 for coaching fees, court hire, social media campaign, flyer printing, equipment hire, equipment purchase for Come-and-Try Ladies Tennis.
Fusion Australia Ltd received $2,000 for roofing and guttering repairs.

For the full list of recipients visit Council’s website and search ‘Minor Grants’.