MORE than 30 not-for-profit organisations, sporting groups and individuals are dreaming about what they can achieve in the coming months after receiving their share of over $200,000 at the Hervey Bay RSL grants presentation.
Recipients received their cheques this afternoon.
Hervey Bay RSL Community Engagement Officer Sarah Bailey Wilkinson said the grants celebrate and support individual achievements and those charities doing incredible work in and around Hervey Bay.
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She said many would not be able to do the work they do without the RSL’s financial support.
“It has been a really tough 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we are so excited to offer assistance. The grants program helps recipients continue doing great things for and in our community,” Mrs Bailey Wilkinson said.
“We know how tough it is for local not-for-profit groups, community groups and individuals,
to get assistance and they are the ones that are serving the community and volunteering
their time for the betterment of the region.
“The program was developed to ensure financial grants are spread amongst a range of
deserving applicants through the supply of not only donations but in-kind donations and the
use of the club’s facilities,” Mrs Bailey Wilkinson explained.
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She also gave special thanks to patrons who supported the club because while
they’re having a good time out, they are also helping to give back to the Fraser Coast
Community through these grants.
“Whether you’re in the club for dinner or lunch, having a flutter in the TAB or gaming room,
or attending any of our shows, a portion of the money you spend goes back to supporting
our local community.
“We are the only venue in Hervey Bay that runs this kind of community program and we’re
very proud to have been able to assist countless not-for-profit organisations, sporting groups
and individuals in the past 10 years.
“And it’s only through the support of our patrons that we can continue to do that.”
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In the 2020 financial year, $466,958 in grants, donations, in-kind support and sponsorship
was granted, and over $400,000 has already been distributed in 2021 financial year, with
more to come.
Over $4.9 million has gone back into the local community since the inception of the program
10 years.
Hervey Bay RSL and Services Memorial Club President Ray Eustace said they were always happy to assist people and organisations making a positive contribution to society.
“Well done to everyone who received a grant this afternoon. A lot of individuals, clubs and organisations wouldn’t be able to carry on doing what they do best without these grants,” he said.
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Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari said funding programs like the RSL grants are vital if you want to grow communities.
“Congratulations to the RSL for what you are doing and the positive impact you have on the community,” he said.
Photos of the all the recipients at the Hervey Bay RSL, 29 April 2021:
All photos taken by Shaun Ryan, Good News Fraser Coast.
Applications and guidelines for applying to the program can be found under the ‘Contact Us’ tab on the Hervey Bay RSL website.
Contact Mrs Bailey Wilkinson on 4197 7444 or email community@herveybayrsl.com.au.
A list of the most substantial grants will be detailed in an upcoming post.
