Council grants fund 11 Fraser Coast community projects

New portable basketball hoops, a training defibrillator for Coast Guard volunteers, and air conditioning for a low-cost food hub are among 11 local projects funded under the first round of Fraser Coast Regional Council’s 2025/26 Community Grants Program.

At its meeting this week (Wednesday 27 August), Council endorsed $51,909 in community grants to help volunteers deliver practical upgrades, safety training and community activities across the region.

Communities spokesperson Cr Michelle Govers said the program backs the people who make clubs safer, services more welcoming, and neighbourhoods more connected.

“These small grants deliver big wins for our community, from safer sports facilities and better equipment for first responders to more comfortable spaces for people doing it tough,” Cr Govers said.

“Council’s Community Grants program supports the people who make our region stronger – from sport and recreation clubs, to conservation groups and community services. Thank you to every volunteer and organisation for the work you do right across the Fraser Coast.”

Funded projects in Round 1 include:

• Maryborough Amateur Basketball Association – portable basketball systems to support more training and wheelchair basketball ($3,298).
• MELSA Maryborough Inc. – a safer, accessible clubhouse entry door ($5,504).
• We Care 2 Inc. – air conditioning and insulation for the low-cost food support centre so clients and volunteers are comfortable and food quality is protected ($15,000).
• Doon Villa Football Club Inc. – new weatherproof, lockable switchboards for field lights to improve electrical safety ($3,000).
• Maryborough City Whistle Stop Inc. – rail safety training for volunteers required to work in the rail corridor ($6,000).
• Fraser Coast Sporting Clays Association Inc. – upgrades to clay-target throwing equipment ($3,500).
• Wide Bay Women’s Health Centre – It’s a Man’s Issue: Voices of Change youth breakfast on consent and respect (9 October) ($2,000).
• Maryborough Garden Club Inc. – edging to make garden beds at Rainbow Gully safer and easier to maintain ($4,000).
• Fraser Coast Bird Club Inc. – club shirts, caps and market stall materials to support member safety and outreach ($2,942).
• Friends of Vernon Conservation Park – feral animal control to protect native wildlife and local farms ($4,165).
• Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association – an automated external defibrillator (AED) trainer, a non-shocking practice device used to teach CPR and defib skills so crews are ready for real emergencies ($2,500).

Cr Govers said Council’s Community Grants Program has four rounds a year with grants of up to $15,000 available.

“If your group has a project that benefits the community, check the guidelines and consider applying. A modest grant can help turn good ideas into real outcomes,” she said.

For guidelines and future round dates, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/grants