THE Torres Strait Islands are set to become stronger communities with two local groups being awarded a total of $27,000 in Federal Government grants.
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch has congratulated the groups who have 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 two Torres Strait Island projects that have been awarded the 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;
– Torres Strait Island Regional Council has been awarded $20,000 for its Dauan Strait Run Community project
– Volunteer Marine Rescue Thursday Island will use a $7,000 grant for its Telescope project
– Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor, Fred Gela said Dauan is a small island community that is very isolated.
“The island’s Tagai School Campus does not have a school bus, an outdoor campus space or sports grounds,” Mr Gela said.
“The students have had to brave the elements of nature as they walk from one side of the island to the other, which is not very conducive to positive learning experiences.
“This grant will contribute to purchasing a school bus which will go a long way in making learning more enjoyable, more accessible and enhance engagement with the local curriculum and community.
Mr Entsch said “The Federal Government grants will be matched by a dollar-for-dollar contribution from the successful proponents to complete their projects.
“These two 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;
– AFL Cairns received $20,000 for its Cazaly’s Shade project
– Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC) Cairns was awarded $8,387 for a high volume low speed fan in its gymnastic facility
– C&K Mossman Community Kindergarten will receive $10,210 to upgrade its kitchen
– St Vincent De Paul Society Queensland will use its $7,007 grant to build a training room at its Earville premises
– 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
– My Space Inc has been awarded $10,000 for a dual cab ute to help youth with disabilities gain employment through Piranha Mowing
“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)
