Twenty-five projects have been awarded funding totalling $93,556 under Redland City Council’s latest round of Community Grants, enabling a wide range of community initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy of Redlands Coast.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council’s Community Grants program supported important events and activities that were initiated and managed primarily by volunteers.
“The breadth of successful applications in Round 2 of the 2022-23 Community Grants and Sponsorship program confirms that Redlands Coast has a strong community spirit,” she said.
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Among the recipients of funding under this round of Community Conservation Grants are a number of wildlife carers seeking additional equipment, and an educational not-for-profit organisation for a clean-up of the coast on Macleay Island in Moreton Bay.
“Ocean Crusaders Foundation has a track record of cleaning beaches and islands to make wildlife safe, removing tonnes of debris in the process,” Cr Williams said.
“They will be working with the community and volunteers to make Macleay Island’s beaches cleaner and safer for birds and other coastal creatures that feed on the coastline.”
Community organisations have also received funding to update or improve administrative requirements, plan events or to train and celebrate their volunteer bases.
“Volunteers are the backbone of any community, and Council funding through the Community Organisation Support funding stream recognises the importance of their contributions through sporting, social and wellbeing activities across Redlands Coast,” Cr Williams said.
“Providing funding for organisations like the Redlands Hockey Association, Amity Point Community Club, TRACTION for Young People and Cancer Council Queensland to train, upskill and celebrate their volunteers will have greater benefits for both volunteers and the clubs they give their time to.
“Community Organisation Support funding will also assist the Rotary Club of Capalaba plan for future events of the Redland Bayside Blues Festival, a much-loved outdoor music festival held here on Redlands Coast.”
Twelve successful applications under the Project Support stream of the program will support community wellbeing through social cohesion, wellness activities and learning and information opportunities.
In the sporting arena, Allstars Netball Club is hosting A Night Under the Stars, a community event to celebrate 20 years of operation and to promote netball as a great activity for children and adults.
Redlands Cricket Inc will be upgrading its coaching booking system, while Veteran Gaming Australia is hosting outdoor sporting and social events for veterans on Redlands Coast.
Redland Bay Tennis Club is hosting a wellness event and Here’s to Life in Redlands Inc will support people living with disability through a series of active workshops that will reduce social isolation and create a welcoming space.
Cr Williams said Council was very supportive of any project that addressed social issues such as domestic violence or homelessness, with two projects in those groups securing funding in the current round.
“The statistics for domestic violence are horrifying, and Redland City Council is committed to supporting initiatives that raise awareness of or support victims of domestic violence,” she said.
“Broke to Brilliant Limited will offer free financial literacy workshops for women who have survived domestic violence, as well as ancillary services to help navigate practical life issues after escaping their situation.
“The Wesley Mission Queensland, through its STARH (Supporting Those at Risk of Homelessness) Project, will be working with local real estate agents, housing and community service providers to reduce the incidence of homelessness.”
Cr Williams said Community Grants served Redlands Coast in many ways, providing access to sporting and wellbeing activities, improving conditions for residents through social assets and supporting the arts and our volunteer community.
The Old Schoolhouse Gallery will be painted for the first time in 20 years, refreshing the building’s interior and exterior, improving its aesthetic appeal and extending its life.
RICArts will offer drawing workshops with a master pastellist on Russell Island and Redland City Choir is producing a short film focusing on the healing power of song.
Movement and dance combine with mental wellbeing in Amity Point Community Club’s Bush Dance Project, while No Lights No Lycra – the Australian “dancing in the dark” movement that’s become a worldwide community – will use RPAC as a space for inclusivity and expressive dance.
The next round of community grants will open in July.
More information on Council grants and successful applicants is available on Council’s Grants and Sponsorship webpage.
