Over $3.65 Million has been committed to sporting and community groups in the last few weeks with Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, describing the funding as illustrating the government’s commitment to grass roots organisations in the district.

Following a commitment in the lead up to the October 2024 election, planning for facility upgrades at Burdekin Netball is now underway while facility and equipment upgrades for 6 community groups have also been given the green light under the provisions of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

“In areas like ours, sporting and community organisations play a key role in connecting people and also in improving health,” Mr Last said.  “The health benefits from sport are obvious but there’s also volumes of research proving that membership of a community group improves health as well.”

“In addition to the netball facility upgrades there is a scoreboard for the swimming club and equipment for the Burdekin Potters, the Burdekin Off-roaders and the Home Hill Harvest Festival.  Both the Giru Progress Association and the Burdekin Artisans will be upgrading their facilities, so we have a great mix of short and medium-term projects.”

“Across the state more than 2000 applications were received so competition for funding was tough.  I am immensely proud of the effort put in by our local organisations to secure this funding and they certainly deserve our thanks.”

Mr Last urged groups to start preparing for the next round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) with applications now opening on June 9th June and closing on July 18th.

“We have delayed the opening of the next round in recognition of the impact that weather events earlier in the year had on organisations that are largely run by volunteers,” he said.  “Grants of up to $100,000 are available and that gives groups the chance to fund major projects that will provide even more benefits to our community.”

“Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants are available to a wide range of not-for-profit groups across the state, with the funding able to be utilised for a wide range of projects.  From facility, equipment and accessibility improvements right through to domestic and family violence initiatives; there is funding available, and I would encourage local groups to apply.”

“The Crisafulli LNP government fully supports those groups because we recognise the value they add to the community and what a difference they make each and every day.  I’m more than happy to contribute to applications, whether as a referee or with a letter of support, and all that’s needed is for groups to contact my office.”

“I know the community is keen to see projects like the upgrade at Burdekin Netball become a reality and, in the not too distant future, I am confident we will have the timings under control and then the countdown to the opening will be on.  Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar upgrade or a smaller project, each and every project makes a difference and illustrates perfectly that we live in a community that is home to people who want to make a genuine and positive contribution for us all.”