The Sunshine Coast Physical Culture Club is head over heels about a $4,990 Federal Government grant recognising the work of local volunteers.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien has announced 18 groups across his Sunshine Coast electorate will share in $60,000 from this year’s Volunteer Grants program.
“The work of our volunteers may be unpaid but it is definitely not unrecognised,” Mr O’Brien said.
“From sporting clubs to service organisations, their contribution brings communities together and helps deliver vital services to those in need.
“I am delighted to announce that locally both North Arm’s Physical Culture Club and Doonan’s Hoofbeats Sanctuary will share in $10,000.”
Head teacher Julie Lightfoot said the group was voluntarily working to restore North Arm’s heritage listed School of Arts Hall.
“We first walked in these doors a year ago today so it’s been a long process and it’s still going but we’ve made great progress and the community has really helped us out,” Ms Lightfoot said.
“We’ve been renovating to give ourselves a fit-for-purpose venue as well as opening it back up to the local community so that they can get back in and use it as well.”
The funding will be used to continue restoration as well as purchase a small hot water system, fridge, urn and vacuum cleaner for the volunteers to use.
Ms Lightfoot said physical culture was growing in popularity.
“Physical culture – we call it physie for short – basically is a combination of a variety of dance styles based around fitness and posture and strength so we combine all those elements together,” she said.
“We have about 70 members and we have a lot of multi-generational members as well, so we have mothers, daughters and some grandmothers. It’s lovely to have various generations of the one family in the one sport together.”
Hoofbeats Sanctuary has also been recognised with a Volunteer Grant.
Funding of $5,000 will be used to train volunteers as mentors and in first aid.
Hoofbeats is a horse rescue sanctuary and also runs equine assisted learning programs predominantly for children at risk.
