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Member for Glass House Andrew Powell is thrilled to announce that round 116 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) has brought a total of $256,704.08 in grants to community groups in the Glass House electorate. This is practically double what was doled out in the previous round.

The GCBF is Queensland’s largest and most successful one-off grants program, providing much needed funds to non-profit community groups to enhance their services, facilities and activities.

“Grants are usually capped at $35,000 but this was another ‘super round’, where up to $100,000 per applicant was up for grabs,” said Mr Powell.

“It might sound like a lot, but sometimes $35,000 isn’t enough for groups to make any major changes, so these super rounds come as a much needed jackpot for those hoping to undertake larger projects.”

“I always encourage as many community groups as possible to apply for these grants. Applications from the Glass House electorate are usually treated very well due to our abundance of small, volunteer run organisations.”

“And if you’ve already received a grant previously, just apply again after a year or two! Plenty of groups have been able to receive two or three grants.”

In no particular order, the recipients from Glass House in Round 116 are:

• Woodford and Region Men’s Shed – $39,865 to construct an ablution block
• Wamuran Women’s Shed – $99,685 to purchase and fitout a van
• Mountain Quilters Club – $6,007.08 to purchase tables with wheels
• Mooloolah Public Hall Association – $99,999 to construct a ramp and upgrade and fitout the kitchen
• Maleny Swimming Club – $6,173 to purchase a pool cover
• Maleny Street Gardeners Alliance – $4,975 to install hanging baskets

“If you live in or visit Maleny then you’ve surely seen the colourful hanging baskets and flowerpots that have cropped up along the main street in the past year or so. The Maleny Street Gardeners Alliance has been working hard to beautify the shopfronts and footpaths.”

“The Wamuran Women’s Shed is using their grant to purchase a van named ‘Wanda.’ Wanda will have a full barista set-up, tool loan library, and everything necessary to host a cozy space for women to gather.”

“They are 120 members and sure to grow once Wanda hits the streets,” concluded Mr Powell.

Information on how to apply for a GCBF grant is available at http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/grants or by phoning 1800 633 619 during business hours. Applications for round 119 were scheduled to close on 31 October but have been extended to 7 November.