Grants creating fresh starts at Pomona and Cooroy

Wide Bay MP Llew O''Brien said there was always strong interest in the Stronger Communities Programme grants.

A federal grant will give Pomona and District Community House a new lease on life, and another grant will help Cooroy’s Uniforms 4 Kids turn worn-out uniforms into beautiful clothes for disadvantaged children.

“Pomona and District Community House is an important hub for the local community, and I’m pleased to see the venue sporting a bright new look with fresh paint supplied through a $13,650 Stronger Communities Programme grant,” Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien said.

“Events such as the popular Cuppa and Convo morning teas, activity groups and expos help ensure people of all ages can stay connected in the Pomona community, reducing isolation while enjoying the beautiful and peaceful space at the Community House where everyone is welcome.”

Cooroy’s Uniforms 4 Kids also received $5,000 through Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme to purchase four sewing machines and an overlocker.

“Uniforms 4 Kids is world-first program where volunteers from the community turn donated uniforms from law enforcement agencies, emergency services and Australia Zoo into bright and cheerful clothes for kids in need,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Cooroy volunteers are highly skilled and dedicated, and each year they cut, dye and sew old uniforms that would otherwise have gone to landfill to turn them into about 3,000 pieces of finished clothing for disadvantaged kids, so I am pleased to support their work with this federal funding.”

The Stronger Communities Programme Round 6 provided up to $150,000 for each of the 151 federal electorates in Australia, with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available for eligible organisations including incorporated not-for-profit community service and sporting groups and councils.

“There is always strong interest in the Stronger Communities Programme grants, and competition is keen, so I encourage organisations interested in bringing forward SCP project proposals in future rounds 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,” Mr O’Brien said.