Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has extended a new lifeline to sports clubs and other community groups hit by COVID restrictions, urging them to apply for the new $3 million Better Suburbs Grants program.
Cr Schrinner said many local sports clubs and community groups had been impacted by snap lockdowns and restrictions, forced to cover the cost of maintaining their facilities and fields while games are cancelled and canteens closed.
“Our sports clubs and community groups are part of the important fabric of Brisbane and we want to make sure they remain viable through these difficult times,” he said.
“The Better Suburbs grants come at a time when these clubs need it most and will help to ensure they can continue to do what they do best.
“Whether you’re a creative club or a local sporting group, the financial assistance we provide will be fast, flexible and far-reaching.”
The Better Suburbs Grants include two categories of assistance, smaller grants of up to $10,000 for local not-for-profit groups and larger grants of up to $200,000 for clubs on Council land and organisations that own community facilities to improve and maintain their venues.
“With these two categories of grants, we can make sure our investment in these important groups is targeted to where it’s needed most,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Every dollar we invest in sports clubs helps encourage kids to participate in sport and maintain healthy lifestyles.
“One day those same kids may just be athletes striding into a newly-rebuilt Gabba Stadium for the opening ceremony of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The Schrinner Council has committed more than $5.7 million in community grants this financial year and provided more than $18.9 million in fee and rent relief to more than 14,600 businesses and community groups.
Applications for the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grants open on Monday 30 August. Applications for the first round of the Community Facility category will close on Monday 1 November. Applications for the Community Support category will remain open until all funds are exhausted.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.
