Seven Scenic Rim community groups have been named in the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
More than 25 million dollars has now been allocated to community groups in the Scenic Rim Electorate through various grants since 2012.
The Beaudesert R.S.L received $20,000 to purchase furniture and the Beaudesert And District Cricket Association were awarded almost $35,000 to upgrade their batting area and nets.
Kalbar School of Arts and Memorial Hall also received close to $35,000 to upgrade their bathroom amenities.
Aratula Rural Fire Brigade and the Mount Walker Rural Fire Brigade received $35,000 each for Aratula to purchase a new motor vehicle and Mount Walker to build amenities and a kitchen.
Fassifern Pony Club received $35,000 to purchase equipment and Tamborine Mountain Cricket Club received the same amount to purchase a mower and repair the pitch turf.
State Member, Jon Krause, said the money from round 111 of the funding would make a huge difference to the successful local groups.
“This terrific outcome would not have occurred without many hardworking volunteers giving their time and energy to complete the grant application process,” he said.
“It is wonderful to see that these community groups will be able to install and upgrade facilities to help them maintain their services.”
“I commend these groups for the wonderful work they do and encourage other community groups to apply for super round 113 of the GCBF. Not-for-profit groups can apply for grants from $500 to $35,000 – applications open in mid-January 2022 and close midnight 28 February 2022.”
Beaudesert and District Cricket Association Secretary, Leigh Morgan, said the funding would allow the club to upgrade the outdated nets at Everdell Park.
“The nets are very unsafe and over 30 years old and badly needs replacing and repairs done,” he said.
“It means that the juniors and senior players will be able to use nets in a safe environment and upgraded to 2021 standards.
“We will commence upgrades after the cricket season in April 2022 ready for the 2022 season in September.
Fassifern Pony Club President, Ian Smith, said the organisation was using their grant to fund a new trailer for the club alongside other potential upgrades.
“We’re ordering a new show jump trailer to take the show jumps out onto the arena to set up and pack up,” he said.
“And the trailer is currently being manufactured, so the club is likely to receive it in the new year.
“It’s something that the Boonah Show Society will use as well, when the show is on they use all the equipment too.
Commencing in 2022, there will be changes to the GCBF funding program, with four funding rounds each year.
Three of the rounds will have funding available up to $35,000 and one super round (GCBF Round 113) will have up to $100,000 of funding available.
