Gymnastics play payday

THE Noosa Gymnastics Club has received a staggering cash injection thanks to a State Government grant.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes said he was pleased to announce the club was receiving $512,567 in funding as part of the Get Playing Plus grant program.
Club president Barry Elphinston said the grant funding meant the club could now draw up plans and call tenders for construction.
“This grant, which we will match with club savings, will enable a doubling of the present training space with installation of more equipment and will allow us to extend our training programs,” Mr Elphinston said.
“The grant, sourced from gaming tax revenues, works to make the impossible possible for invaluable not for profit groups and organisations such as Noosa Gymnastics, who contribute to the well-being of our community, in particular our young people who over the years have turned to their devices for fun and friendship instead of physical activities,” Mr Elmes said.
According to Gymnastics Queensland, only 44 per cent of Queensland children aged between two and 16 years meet the national guidelines for physical activity.
Mr Elmes said it makes sense for governments to invest in groups such as Noosa Gymnastics to help them deliver programs that teach children healthy habits to take with them through all stages of life.
If you are part of a community group and could benefit from funding, Noosa Council grants officer Kim Cummins says help is at hand with free advice available for community members.
“The community development team is happy to explain the range of grants available from council as well as state and federal governments. We can also provide advice on writing grant applications,” Ms Cummins said.
Ms Cummins says other groups too could be eligible for funding to cover all sorts of initiatives including construction and cultural development projects.
The first step is to contact council and ask for help.