Council provides funding certainty for community events

Seventeen community events will be offered the chance to move to a new three-year grant funding program launched by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“The new scheme ensures there are many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of events that showcase our vibrant and cultural diverse community,” Councillor Paul Truscott said.

“The scheme provides grants for three years which enables us to back community-driven activities and gives the organisers stability to plan ahead rather than waiting for the outcome of grants applications each year.

“The scheme targets groups with an established history of delivering events across the region.”

Some of the events funded under the new scheme include:

• The Fraser Coast Show ($30,000);
• Gundiah Memorial Hall Association Carols the Country ($3,000);
• Hervey Bay Christian Ministers Association Carols by Candlelight ($5,000);
• Hervey Bay Heritage Village and Museum Antiques and Collectables Fair ($4,000);
• Maryborough City Progress Association to stage four events a year (4650 Extravaganza, Maryborough District Allsports Showcase, Fraser Coast Talent Time and the Maryborough CBD Christmas Street Party ($10,000), and;
• Maryborough Horticultural Society, Maryborough Open Gardens ($4,000).

“The changes will ensure that residents get the best outcome for the funds Council is investing in the grants program,” Cr Truscott said.

“Council will continue the Community Grant Road Show program to assist groups understand the grants that are available, how to make an application, build knowledge and skills in grant writing; and provide one-on-one assistance with grant applications for Council or externally funded grants.

“The general grants will be allocated quarterly and the upper limit for applications has also been changed to $15,000 to reflect the new funding levels, with the minimum application limit remaining at $500.”

The full list of groups that will be offered Sponsorship Agreements is on page 516 of the Council agenda www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/4472/ordinary-meeting-no-1-23-open-agenda-25-january-2023

More information on the grants program is available on the Council website www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/grants-and-awards