Twenty community organisations have shared in funding to the tune of more than $190,000 in the latest round of Noosa Council’s Community Project Grants.
Among the recipients is Salvation Army Noosa’s Salvos Mates Support (SMS) program. The $16,899 cash injection will help train a group of male volunteers to support local men impacted by trauma, poverty, loneliness, homelessness and home or workplace abuse.
Noosa Salvation Army Corps Officer Matt Gluyas said the program gives men the opportunity to chat in a relaxed setting such as over a coffee or while taking part in therapeutic activities such as sailing, surfing, four-wheel driving or fishing.
“The aim is to take the pressure down a few notches,” he said. “There’s no requirement for in-depth discussions about private issues, it’s all about getting some fun and positivity back into their lives.
“The program can also provide help getting a new job, training or trying out a gym or meditation program, for example.”
Grant funding distributed includes just under $35,000 to support a variety of projects and programs, more than $98,000 to support facility development, just over $34,000 to provide new equipment and $24,900 for events.
Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club’s plan to build new sight screens at both ends of Read Park has been given a $22,327 boost, while Noosa Community Gardens received $3500 to build 10 new raised garden beds.
Kauri Park Bushcare Group’s $3,108 grant will help fund new signage and hardwood seating around a large red gum stump in Kauri Park.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said Council was thrilled to support a broad range of groups and their projects through the latest grant round.
“With over 300 not-for-profit groups in Noosa they have a profound collective impact on so many people in our community, so it’s pleasing we can assist them in the good work they do,” he said.
“Our Community Connections Branch staff are always on hand to help our local community organisations to apply for grant funding, plus we can link them with other avenues of support.”
Council’s Grants Officer, Corinne Aiken, said the next round of grants will open in February.
“We were pleased to see a large number of high-quality applications this round, so the Grant Writing Workshop we held in August, and support provided by Council’s Community Connections Branch, is helping make it easier for local groups to secure the funding they need,” she said.
For more information on applying for the next round of grants, check Council’s website in the new year – www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/grants/council-grants
