In a powerful demonstration of support, Queensland's leading one-off community grants program has celebrated its 30th anniversary by awarding over $33 million to local community organisations across the state.
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund’s (GCBF) Super Round 121 will provide grants of up to $100,000 to 598 not-for-profit community groups, associations, and foundations, including $2.8 million distributed to 40 community organisations in the Cook elecgtorate.
It comes as the GCBF celebrates its 30th anniversary of providing direct funding support for local services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities.
Since it was established in 1994, the GCBF has provided more than $1.188 billion directly to communities, cementing its role as one of Queensland’s most important grant programs.
Each round of the initiative provides benefits and key services to Queensland communities, including facility and accessibility improvements, medical equipment, transportation support, leisure and sporting equipment, and domestic and family violence initiatives.
Due to increased interest in the Super Round, the Queensland Government allocated an additional $3 million to the original grant total of $30 million to provide much needed assistance to local organisations.
Community groups who missed out are encouraged to apply for Round 122 of the GCBF, which will be the final funding round in 2024.
Round 122 will offer $35,000 grants and opens on Monday, September 9.
For more information on the GCBF and a full list of recipients from Round 121, visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants.
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said she was proud to have supported many of the successful applicants with letters or as a referee.
“Community organisations in our towns contribute so much, and it is wonderful to be able to support them through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants.
“In this latest round, more than $2.8 million has been distributed to 40 organisations and groups in the Cook electorate and I know how much these funds mean to our children, our older people and our clubs and services.
“There were more than a few cheers and tears of happiness when the recipients of this latest super round received phone calls about their grant outcomes.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath said most Queensland towns and communities had received a grant in the past 30 years of the fund.
“You’d be hard pressed to find a town or community in Queensland that hasn’t benefited from a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant over the last 30 years.
“Time and time again we have been amazed by the creativity and passion behind the ideas and applications from the community, with over 2,551 applications received for this Super Round alone.
“This funding is going directly into community organisations, who are using this opportunity to create and sustain something special in their part of Queensland.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the work of our communities as they channel this funding into crucial initiatives, whether it’s new facilities to help those experiencing medial issues or violence, or housing and meal services to the vulnerable doing it tough.
“I’d like to urge all community and not-for-profit organisations throughout the state to look at the eligibility criteria for Round 122 and consider making an application to help their efforts for Queenslanders.”
Cook recipients include the following organisations that were funded to purchase a bus, tractor or vehicle:
- Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Coproration
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council
- Bamaga Enterprises
- Hope VVale Aboriginal Shire Council
- Maru Badulgal
- Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporatino
- Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation
Other successful applicants in Cook include
- Mareeba Mountain Goats for a trail upgrade at Davies Creek
- Friends of Mareeba Hospital for a Cardiac Device
- Rainforest Conservation FOundation to upgrade their facility and install solar
- Port Douglas Artists inc to purchase plinths
- Weipa Bowls Club to construct accessible amenities block
- Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh Torres Strait Islander Corporation to purchase a printing press.
