RSL grant to help fund school chaplain

THE MOST substantial grant awarded by the Hervey Bay RSL this week went to the Fraser Coast Chaplaincy Program.

Representatives of the Fraser Coast Chaplaincy receive their grants from the Hervey Bay RSL. PHOTO: Shaun Ryan.

The program received $30,000 on Thursday.

The funds will ensure children don’t go hungry with $10,000 allocated to a nutritious Breakfast Club program at public schools across the Hervey Bay region.

A further $20,000 will see a chaplain placed at Urangan State High School.

‘Chappies’ provide spiritual and emotional support to school communities and help students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdowns and loneliness, to depression and anxiety.

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The RSL Bay Alley and RSL Bub Hub & Playground, as part of The Neighbourhood Hive, received $10,000 to help establish a ‘messy’ community space where locals can try something new, connect with like-minded people or start a project they’ve always dreamed of but never had the space for.

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The Neighbourhood Hive will be a place where the community are free to try new things, learn new skills and make connections.

Other grants awarded on the day included:

$9600 to Fraser Coast Mates: This vital group is all about building local awareness and conversations about mental health issues, bridging the gap between support services and ultimately helping progress when it comes to suicide prevention. The grant will help fund 50 per cent of the Content Coordinator role for 12 months. The communication this role generates not only educates and creates a stronger awareness around mental health, but also aims to promote relevant services in this space and make people aware of what help is available to them on the Fraser Coast.
$15,000 to Junior Seagulls Rugby League and $10,000 to Bay Power football club: This annual sponsorship helps to keep these clubs afloat and costs down for local families.
$10,000 to Kawungan State School: These funds will assist the school in constructing a much-needed shelter at the school’s bus stop waiting area. The area will also provide a safer pathway to the school buses in the afternoon.
$10,000 to Yarrilee State School: It’s exciting times for the students at Yarrilee with these funds helping to build a new playground.
$7112 to Bayside Transformations drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre: The not-for-profit organisation is a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre that promotes self-help programs, mutual support and encourages personal change. The grant will help to refurbish the resident’s bedrooms, giving them a comfortable and inviting place to sleep during their rehabilitation journey.

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Other recipients include $5300 to Hervey Bay Touch Association, $3000 to Meals on Wheels Fraser Community, $4450 to Pialba Bowls Club, $3000 to Cosmos Netball Club, $500 to the Hervey Bay Parkinson’s Support Group, $500 to Hervey Bay Art Society, and many more.