CAIRNS is set to become a stronger community with four local groups being awarded Federal Government grants to improve facilities.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch has congratulated the groups who have all been awarded grants under round three of the Stronger Communities program.
“It’s programs like this that can make a real difference to local groups in the way they connect and interact with community and build ties through offering better services, facilities and activities,” Mr Entsch said.
“The four Cairns projects that have been awarded Stronger Communities grants will be well received not only by those directly involved in putting together the applications, but also local residents who interact with them.
Details of the grants are;
– AFL Cairns awarded $20,000 to complete its Cazalys shade project
– Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC) will receive $8,387 to install a higher volume low speed fan to cool the Cairns PCYC gymnastics facilities
– St Vincent De Paul Society Queensland has been awarded $7,007 to fit out a training room at Vinnies Earville
– My Space Inc will receive $10,000 towards to buy a dual cab ute to assist youth with disabilities to be employed through Piranha Mowing
President of AFL Cairns, Gary Young said the grant would allow us to build permanent structures and reduce the number of portable shade devices that we use to protect our participants.
“Sun safety is really important to us. This grant will enable us to reduce the risk of skin cancer and heat related illnesses and make sport participation more attractive for kids and parents,” Mr Young said.
Manager of Partnerships and Evaluation at St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, Mr Nathan Middlebrook said the funding would be used to refurbish the upstairs mezzanine level at the Vinnies Earville retail shop, turning it into a training room.
“This will allow us to deliver education and employment programs such as financial literacy workshops, mental health awareness sessions and more formal vocation educational and training (VET) to the people we assist,” Mr Middlebrook said.
Peter Fitzpartick, Branch Manager at the Cairns PCYC said there are approximately 300 people aged from 2 years old right up to adulthood that are enrolled in our gymnastics program and more than 1500 attendances per month on average.
“Given the hot temperatures in Cairns we really need a fan, so this grant will enable us to greatly improve conditions for the kids involved in our activities,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
Mr Entsch said “The Federal Government grants will be matched by a dollar-for-dollar contribution from the successful proponents to complete the projects.
“The four Cairns projects are among a group of 11 Leichhardt initiatives that have received a total of nearly $150,000 in Federal Funding under round three of the Stronger Communities program. The other recipients are;
– C&K Mossman Community Kindergarten will receive $10,210 to upgrade its kitchen
– The Cooktown Amateur Turf Club has been awarded $15,000 for a kitchen and cold room upgrade
– The Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club will receive $20,000 to expand storage facilities for its emergency search and rescue equipment
– Port Douglas Outrigger Canoe Club will receive $20,000 to construct a clubhouse, training and storage facility
– Volunteer Marine Rescue Weipa Inc has been awarded $12,000 to fit-out and construct a training room
– Volunteer Marine Rescue Thursday Island will use a $7,000 grant for its Telescope project
– Torres Strait Island Regional Council has been awarded $20,000 for its Dauan Strait Run Community project
“All Leichhardt applications were assessed by a panel of community representatives from Building Active Connected Communities FNQ (BACC) and identified as projects that meet the programme’s guidelines.
“I’d like to thank the BACC team for their help with the selection process and contribution to making Leichhardt a stronger community.
(ENDS)