THE LATEST round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants has delivered a whopping $354,000 that will be shared across six local community groups. Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said there was a range of very deserving clubs from across the electorate that will benefit from this round of funding, including:
- Smart Pups Assistance Dogs $93,601.33 for upgrades and new equipment
- Edgewater Village Men’s Shed $27,441.50 to replace their roof
- Verrierdale Community Group Inc. $64,500 for a new amenities block at the hall
- Sunshine Coast Paddlesports Club Inc. $85,550.77 for a new shed and fencing
- Eumundi QCWA $48,000 to install a ramp
- Soquilichi Rescue Ranch Inc. $35,000 for cat enclosures
The funding news couldn’t have come at a better time for some of these groups, including Smart Pups Assistance Dogs, who hosted their inaugural fundraising lunch recently raising over $70,000.
Smart Pups Assistance Dogs, based at Verrierdale, supports children with special needs and has a profound impact on helping them improve their independence and quality of life. Since its inception in 2011, Smart Pups, which relies solely on donations, sponsorships and grants, has placed more than 300 assistance dogs across the country.
The event featured several special guests including The Today Show’s Karl Stefanovic, Smart Pups Patron and Aussie swimming legend Dawn Fraser, founder Patricia Macalister, and LNP Candidate for Noosa Clare Stewart.
“The timing could not have been better,” Mr Purdie said.
“We found out the news of the Smart Pups gambling grant as I was literally walking out of my office, on the way to the event.
“There’s no surprise it raised the roof when Clare and I shared the news with all the guests.”
The next round of the Gambling Grants, Round 122, which is the last round of the year, is open now and closes at midnight on November 30.
For further information about the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, visit www.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants.