More than half a million dollars for Western Downs Community Groups

Twenty community and sporting groups across the Western Downs will share in a massive investment to improve their club infrastructure as part of Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Package.

More than $645,000 has been allocated to the twenty organisations, securing and creating jobs and energizing growth across a range of the region’s vital organisations.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Community Infrastructure Program would give a huge leg up to community groups looking to improve their offerings to residents.

“Our COVID-19 Recovery Package was designed to give certainty to the local economy and offer targeted support to where it’s most needed and we’re continuing our work investing in the region by delivering this one-off grant program,” Cr McVeigh said.

“The Program offered individual grants of up to $200,000 as part of a 50/50 split with organisations to build new or improved infrastructure and facilities.

“It is fantastic Council is able to partner with these groups to kickstart a range of exciting projects for the region, all of which are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.”

As part of the program, Miles District Rugby League Club has received funding to install a shed shelter over the barbeque area at Centenary Oval in Miles.

Club Representative Ken Brown said the Infrastructure Grant made it possible for the group in partnership with WDRC, to make a real difference and improve facilities in the area.

“We are a proactive club that’s passionate about our local community, and we’re thrilled to have Council’s support to deliver this important project,” Mr Brown said.

“This goes beyond the needs of our Club, this is about improving facilities for the whole community to use, which will be invaluable in attracting more events to the town and getting residents involved.”

Chinchilla Family Support Centre Inc. Manager Mrs Louise Judge said she was also delighted to be partnering with Council to deliver a major upgrade of the Chinchilla Community Centre.

“This funding will assist us to deliver a brand-new building and office spaces at our facility which will increase our ability to support the community, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged,” Mrs Judge said.

“Our current meeting spaces are at capacity and this expansion will create more space for a range of uses including confidential sessions, meeting spaces, and event spaces for Chinchilla community activities.

“We can’t wait to get started on this exciting project which is going to make a huge difference in the Chinchilla community.”

The Community Infrastructure Grants Program recipients are:

Chinchilla Agriculture and Pastoral Association Inc Chinchilla Family Support Centre Inc Chinchilla Golf Club Inc Chinchilla Gymnastics Club Inc Chinchilla Rotary Club Dalby and District Campdraft Club Inc Dalby and District Rugby Football Club Inc Dalby and Northern Downs Jockey Club Dalby Rugby League Club Jandowae Golf Club Miles and District Amateur Picnic Race Club Miles District Rugby League Club Moonie Sports Club Murilla Kindergarten Association Myall Park Botanic Garden Ltd Pioneer Park Museum Tara and District Junior Rugby League Club The Gums Sports Club Wandoan Diggers Race Club Inc Wandoan Show Society Inc

To find out more about Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Package, Contact Council on 1300 268 624 or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/recovery

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