Funding for community projects – Stronger Communities Programme Round 3

Funding available – entries due July 31.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is calling for expressions of interest for funding from Round 3 of the Federal Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

“Up to $150,000 is available to support small capital projects to benefit local communities in Wide Bay” Mr O’Brien said.

“Eligible organisations, including councils and incorporated not for profit community service and sporting groups, can apply for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 from the Government, supported by matching cash or in-kind contributions from other sources for the project.

“The SCP is a great opportunity for councils and community service and sporting organisations to seek funding for projects to help them improve their facilities and strengthen their communities.”

Organisations should consult the SCP guidelines and the frequently asked questions on the website www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme to determine eligibility.

“I encourage organisations interested in bringing forward SCP project proposals to contact my electorate office on telephone 4121 2936, or the Sunshine Coast or Wide Bay Burnett Regional Development Australia Committees through the website www.rda.gov.au for further information,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Applications will be prioritised by a local Stronger Communities Programme committee and assessed against the SCP guidelines to ensure that project proposals offer value for money.”

SCP project proposals should be submitted by email to Llew.OBrien.MP@aph.gov.au by 31 July 2017.

Previous rounds of the SCP delivered funding to a range of organisations in Wide Bay, assisting with:

· renovations to the Gympie Jacana Girl Guide Hut;
· the new Cooroy Noosa Genealogical & Historical Research Group’s building;
· Tewantin’s Tait-Duke Cottage renovation; a new shed at Maryborough’s Action Park;
· new vehicles for Cooloola Coast Medical Transport;
· lighting at Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club;
· playground equipment at Murgon’s Rotary Youth Park;
· a new kitchen for Maryborough’s St Vincent de Paul shop;
· improved access to Gympie’s St Vincent de Paul shop;
· a technology upgrade for Maryborough and Gympie Maisie Kaufmann Learning Centres;
· the studio at Noosa Mens Shed;
· water conservation at Gympie Landcare;
· audio visual equipment at Cooloola Cove Veterans and Community Hall;
· broadcasting equipment for Noosa Community Radio;
· car parking at Murgon’s Castra;
· upgrades to Maryborough’s Child Care Centre; and
· a shed fit out for Gympie’s Wordworks Museum.