Stronger Communities grants creating fresh starts at Pomona and Cooroy

September 23, 2021

A federal grant will give Pomona and District Community House a new lease on life, and another grant will help Cooroy’s Uniforms 4 Kids turn worn-out uniforms into beautiful clothes for disadvantaged children, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced today.

“Pomona and District Community House is an important hub for the local community, and I’m pleased to see the venue sporting a bright new look with fresh paint supplied through a $13,650 Stronger Communities Programme grant,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Events such as the popular Cuppa and Convo morning teas, activity groups and expos help ensure people of all ages can stay connected in the Pomona community, reducing isolation while enjoying the beautiful and peaceful space at the Community House where everyone is welcome.”

Cooroy’s Uniforms 4 Kids also received $5,000 through Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme to purchase four sewing machines and an overlocker.

“Uniforms 4 Kids is world-first program where volunteers from the community turn donated uniforms from law enforcement agencies, emergency services and Australia Zoo into bright and cheerful clothes for kids in need,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Cooroy volunteers are highly skilled and dedicated, and each year they cut, dye and sew old uniforms that would otherwise have gone to landfill to turn them into about 3,000 pieces of finished clothing for disadvantaged kids, so I am pleased to support their work with this federal funding.”

The Stronger Communities Programme Round 6 provided up to $150,000 for each of the 151 federal electorates in Australia, with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available for eligible organisations including incorporated not-for-profit community service and sporting groups and councils.

“There is always strong interest in the Stronger Communities Programme grants, and competition is keen, so I encourage organisations interested in bringing forward SCP project proposals in future rounds to contact my electorate office on telephone 4121 2936, or the Sunshine Coast, or Wide Bay Burnett Regional Development Australia Committees through the website www.rda.gov.au,” Mr O’Brien said.

Previous rounds of the SCP delivered funding to a range of organisations in Wide Bay, assisting with:

  • Three commemorative mosaics at Cooroy-Pomona RSL
  • A new kitchen and change rooms for Cooroy Gymnastics
  • A jet-ski for Noosa Boardriders
  • Air conditioning for the activity Shed at Noosa’s Sunshine Butterflies disability service
  • Two new portable salvage fire-fighting pumps for Noosa Coast Guard’s rescue boats
  • A new Digger’s Memorial for Tewantin-Noosa RSL Sub-Branch
  • A new all-terrain vehicle for Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club
  • A solar power system at Vinnies Noosaville; and more.

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.