Dry lands to high hopes delivers community connectedness

A funding program that supports drought-affected communities has delivered 22 events to help bring a positive booster for Isaac region residents.

A total of $84,000 has been allocated to a variety of community groups from Mistake Creek to Mackenzie River and Valkyrie to Twin Hills through the Queensland Government’s Community Drought Support Program.

Mayor Anne Baker said Isaac Regional Council presented the funding through the Dry Lands to High Hopes events series and community grants program.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that our drought-affected Isaac communities are facing social and economic challenges on two fronts,” she said.

“This ongoing drought, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, is having a flow-on effect, spreading from farms to businesses and households and the Queensland Government grant to help stage these events will help boost our rural and regional communities.”

Mayor Baker said the funding helped deliver campdrafts, country race days, movie nights, art workshops and a beef expo, just to name a few.

The program was in response to more than 65 per cent of the state being drought-declared in 2019.

The Queensland Government announced $5 million in funding to Councils, non-profit organisations and community groups via a Community Drought Support Program.

Isaac Regional Council’s Dry Lands to High Hopes’ drought support initiative funds local projects and activities which help develop resilient, adaptive and vibrant communities.

The series will host the last three events for the funding program through the Dry Lands to High Hopes’ Christmas Movie Party at Nebo Hall from 6pm on Friday, 3 December 2021 and Middlemount Community Hall from 6pm on Friday 10 December 2021.

The Twin Hills Christmas Party is from 6pm on Saturday, 11 December 2021 at the Twin Hills Recreation and Campdraft Grounds. All events are free. For more information call 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).

Published: 22nd November 2021