Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

The Douglas Shire has benefited significantly over the years from Connected Communities FNQ grants and local organisations and associations are encouraged to seek out this invaluable support.

The 2021 Grant Round 2 is now open and applications close on October 31. The grant pool is $50,000 with $5,000 the maximum value per application. Community groups who bank with Bendigo Bank are encouraged to apply.

CCFNQ is made up of a board of independent directors. These directors come from a diverse range of industries and disciples, so as to promote the most fair and equitable decision making.

Established in May 2009 with the vision to provide an “overall benefit to the community”, this is achieved by providing grants to deserving not-for-profit organisations in the Cairns, Gordonvale, Kuranda, Mossman and Port Douglas regions.

CCFNQ takes the view that many of these organisations are run by volunteers and want to provide them with an avenue to receive funding without having to ask for donations or through time-consuming fundraising activities.

$1.4 million awarded

Since its inception, more than $1,4 million has been awarded to more than 200 organisations. These grants have funded various projects in the health, education, sporting and community sectors.

One of the most recent and successful applications in the Douglas Shire was the Mossman State School P&C who received $3,000 at the end of last year to refurbish their school canteen. They are credited for having an excellent Healthy Eating Program and the funds enabled them to redo the kitchen benches for the preparation of the food lines as part of the education of Healthy Eating.

Vivienne Ruffles, a committee member for the Douglas area, said organisations and associations can apply for amounts in two categories: $2500 and under $5,000.

“Over the years, the funding has supplied club uniforms, sporting equipment, a new kitchen, a counselling room, items such as pool tables, computers, air conditioners, dishwashers in club rooms, brochures, printed matter and advertising for annual events and groups special events.

“There is no specific target as each organisation has different needs,” she said.

Recipients

Some of the organisations in the shire who have benefited over the years include RSL Mossman Sub Branch; Miallo State School; Clink Theatre; Douglas Shire Community Services; Paws and Claws; Port Kids; Douglas Theatre Arts; Douglas Shire Historical Society; Port Douglas Community Kindergarten; Douglas Studio Art Gallery; Mossman & Douglas Friends of the Foundation.

The Bendigo Bank BBQ trailer, which is housed in Mossman, is a Community Project and this can be booked out for use at community events.

Selection Criteria:

To be eligible for funding, organisations must:

• Be a not-for-profit organisation;
• Be located in the Cairns, Mossman, Port Douglas, Kuranda or Gordonvale regions;
• Have NOT received funding from CC-FNQ in the last 12 months;
• Bank with Bendigo Bank.

For further information go to cc-fnq.com.au/