Bundaberg and Burnett community groups awarded over $500k in grants

From surf clubs and veteran retreats to footy fields and school kitchens, twenty Bundaberg and Burnett organisations are set to benefit from the latest round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants.

Chief Executive of YMCA Bundaberg, Greg McMahon and Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett.

More than $533,000 will flow to 20 local community organisations across Bundaberg and the Burnett in the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

The Crisafulli Government announced the local share of the record-setting $16m round, which will support almost 630 groups across Queensland with grants of up to $35,000.

The grants are set to fund a range of projects and initiatives, from facility upgrades to essential equipment purchases, with Bundaberg and Burnett recipients putting their funds towards practical improvements that will help their organisations grow.

Agnes Water Surf Life Saving Club will purchase a trailer, while Camp Gregory Veteran’s Retreat will buy a utility vehicle.
Childers Junior Rugby League will invest in new equipment, and the Isis District Horse and Pony Club will upgrade its accessible amenities block.

Ceo of YMCA Bundaberg, Greg McMahon and Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett.

Isis Golf Club will install an awning over a seating area.
Kolan River Angling Boating Society will purchase a mower, and Moore Park Beach Community Association will upgrade its kitchen. Pacifique Surfriders Club will construct a storage facility and install a solar system.

Red Collar Rescue, which has been under pressure in recent weeks, will finally be able to purchase a tractor and slasher, which local MP Stephen Bennett said would bring welcome relief for the shelter.
Rum City Vintage Machinery Club will fit out its shed and buy new equipment.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association Miriam Vale and Bororen branch will install a new roof, while the Childers branch will undertake a facility upgrade.

In the Bundaberg region, Bundaberg Legacy will extend its storage shed and Kepnock Progress Association will install air conditioning. North Bundaberg Progress Association plans to paint its community hall and upgrade the electrical systems.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Bundaberg base will use its grant to purchase a vehicle. The Lions Club of Bundaberg – Hinkler will buy equipment, appliances and a truck. United Park Eagles Football Club will build changerooms, and Walkervale State School’s P & C will buy a fridge and oven.

YMCA Bundaberg will resurface its worn courts and install shade sails, with CEO Greg McMahon saying the upgrade would turn the facility into a vibrant hub for sport and social connection.

Red Collar Rescue founder Sharyn Banks with Lucky the dog.

“This program empowers local heroes across our region and helps their organisations grow and thrive,” Mr Bennett said.
“These groups and clubs make up the fabric of our communities; it’s no stretch to say we’d be lost without them.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said the overwhelming response to the funding round demonstrated the importance of the program to communities across Queensland.

“These grants are a huge benefit across Queensland’s towns, rural centres and cities, and they can be a lifeline for organisations that are doing it tough,” she said.

Round 124 of the GCBF, a Super Round offering grants of up to $100,000, will open on 9 June and close on 18 July.

Originally published as Bundaberg and Burnett community groups awarded over $500k in grants