Three Noosa organisations will share in almost $21,000 in funding for projects to support Noosa’s vibrant arts and sporting communities.
Federal Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien said Noosa Shire Arts and Crafts Association would receive $13,000 through Round 7 of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Stronger Communities Programme while Noosa Arts Theatre would receive $3811 and Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club would receive $4000.
“Noosa Shire Arts and Crafts Association does an incredible amount of work to support the local arts scene, and its volunteers also work with Katie Rose Cottage Hospice and the Red Cross to brighten the lives of people who are unwell,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This funding for the Noosa Arts and Craft Association will help them to purchase 10 new pottery wheels and eight banding wheels, allowing more people to participate in their popular pottery workshops and will help reduce financial pressure on the organisation.”
Noosa Shire Arts and Crafts Association president Gabi Dick thanked Mr O’Brien for his support and said the organisation was extremely grateful.
“It’s wonderful, it really is. We rely on volunteers, exhibitions and grants to keep the Association running so this will make a big difference,” Mrs Dick said.
The Noosa Arts Theatre will use its $3811 grant for a short-throw projector lens, which can project backdrops at short distances and will save the theatre’s volunteers hundreds of hours creating sets.
Noosa Arts Theatre grants officer Russell Krause said the new lens would allow the Theatre volunteers to train in modern set design and lighting techniques, and put on a broader range of performances.
“This support is invaluable, particularly at the moment as we lost so many productions through Covid – we never would have been able to afford it otherwise,” Mr Krause said.
“This grant means our volunteers can get some new experience with modern and contemporary techniques and we might even be able to put on an extra production.”
Mr O’Brien also announced $4000 for the Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club towards the cost of replacing its rescue craft.
“Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club has almost doubled in size in the past few years to 215 active members, making it the biggest outrigger club in Australia, and this grant will help towards the provision of a new rigid inflatable boat which is essential for safety,” Mr O’Brien said.
Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club secretary Jane Harris said, as a self-funded, not-for-profit club, grants like the Stronger Communities Programme funding were extremely helpful.
“This funding really is important, particularly because the Club was flooded during the recent floods and we lost quite a bit of equipment,” Ms Harris said.
“We need a new rigid inflatable boat for rescues and safety, and it will help the Club put on events like the Regatta where we get 500 people participating, so it’s going to help more people enjoy getting out on the Noosa River and the water.”
“These grants may not be a lot of money, but it’s an investment in ensuring Noosa remains a vibrant, thriving community,” Mr O’Brien said.
More information is available at business.gov.au/scp
