06 Apr Traeger clubs share in $350k funds

Thirteen not-for-profit community groups in Mount Isa, Charters Towers, Mornington Island, Burketown and Hughenden will share in more than $305,000 to upgrade facilities and buy new equipment under a State Government grants program.

The organisations were successful grant applicants in round 106 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, which Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said offered groups a valuable helping hand to better serve their local communities.

“This annual cash injection into our regional economies is always much needed and appreciated and this year it comes at a critical time as many local groups are still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to adjust and get back on track,” he said.

In Mount Isa, the Race Club is set to receive $17,924 to upgrade its PA system. Club president Mick Tully said the GCBF grant, which will be matched by the Club, will fund a new PA system to replace the old, unreliable one.

“At the moment, the PA system is non-existent; it cuts in and out and is unreliable,” Mr Tully said.

“A new PA will mean we can hold functions and conferences, and it will certainly help with us with the TAB televised meeting on Sky Racing on the Thursday prior to the rodeo.”

Four other Mount Isa organisations have been awarded grants:

• The Isa Ski and Power Boat Club will receive $34,500 to install a pontoon a crane

• Mija Judo Academy has been awarded $31,120 to install a solar system

• The Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten Association is set to receive $28,560 to upgrade softball gear

• Town Rugby League Football Club will get $24,948 to buy new equipment

In Charters Towers, five organisations are set to receive grants:

• QFES Charters Towers State Emergency Service will get $19,829 to build a preparation shelter

• Charters Towers Tennis Club will get $29,245 to build a shade structure

• The National Trust of Australia will receive $13,980 to upgrade their facility and install a sign

• Charters Towers Athletic Club has been granted $4,832 to buy a high jump mat set

• Towers Birdkeepers will receive $1,762 to buy a trailer cover, gazebos and tables

The Burketown State School Parents and Citizens Association and Hughenden Bowls Club will each receive $35,000 to buy a bus and build a shade structure respectively, and the Queensland PoliceCitizens Youth Welfare Association on Mornington Island has been granted $28,313 to install roller doors.