The Bundaberg Pistol Club’s facilities will be given a much-needed revamp thanks to the latest round of the State Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett announced the club had been awarded almost $35,000 to upgrade its facilities, including the installation of wheelchair-friendly paths and expand facilities to incorporate a training and safety room.
The local MP made the announcement during a visit to the club today to inspect facilities and discuss plans for further improvements.
Mr Bennett said he was delighted the club was successful in their funding application.
“The Bundaberg Pistol Club is a very worthy recipient of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and I’m thrilled to be here today to help the club celebrate,” he said.
“I’m pleased to be able to assist the club secure this funding so they can undertake the necessary upgrades to meet the ongoing needs of members and the public.”
Club president Adrian Titchmarsh welcomed the funding announcement.
Mr Titchmarsh said the club looked forward to upgrading its facilities to improve access and expand the current training facilities.
“This will enable us to continue the path right down to our training program and cafeteria, which is what we would like to expand on to make it more useable,” he said.
“A few members are over 80, so it will help everybody, especially when it’s wet as we’ve only got a dirt road. The wheelie guys have a lot of trouble.
“It’s going to make a huge difference to the club.”
Mr Titchmarsh said membership had doubled in the last five years, but the facilities had not expanded to meet the needs of the growing club.
Mr Bennett said the club was one of six successful Burnett organisations sharing $132,480.55 from Round 83 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
“The quarterly grants allow profits from gambling to be invested back into grassroots services and facilities that benefited people from all walks of life in the local community,” Mr Bennett said.
“These grants are just one way the Government returns taxes from gambling activities to communities, and helps to ensure that through our community organisations, we all receive some benefit from gambling in Queensland.
“It’s great to see Burnett clubs are being recognised and rewarded through this great program.”
Other successful clubs in the Burnett:
– Blue Water Sports Club, $30,909.09, to upgrade toilet amenities
– Coral Coast Progress Association, $27,000, to construct a shade shelter in the park
– Elliott Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, $4,340.91, to install a shade sail
– Isis Cricket Club, $33,580, to upgrade training facilities
– Queensland Wildlife Carers & Volunteers Association, $1654.55, to purchase equipment
Mr Bennett encouraged all local groups, however big or small, to apply for the next round of funding before the end of May.
For more information visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/sponsorships-and-grants/grants/community-benefit-funding-programs