THE WHITSUNDAY Electorate is set to receive $351,970 in funding from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Fourteen community groups in the Whitsundays were successful in their application for funding to help purchase new equipment for their organisation.
These included sporting clubs, RSLs, service groups and gardening, history and art clubs (see full list below).
More than 2,000 applications were received across the State, which was the largest number in the program’s 31-year history.
The GCBF provides grants to Queensland not-for-profit community organisations to enhance their capacity to provide services, leisure activities and economic opportunities for local communities.
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said the grants gave recognition to grassroots organisations that are at the heart of our community.
“Whether it’s a new grandstand at Whitsunday Equestrian Group, a new bus for Proserpine Rugby League Football Club or gazebos and a fridge for the Kennel Club, these grants will enable these organisations to provide better services that benefit the whole region,” Ms Camm said.
The Dingo Beach Progress Association received $33,064 to purchase a digital sign and point of sale equipment for use at the markets.
“A digital sign for Dingo Beach is such an important asset for our community,” Sue Jamieson from Dingo Beach Progress Association said.
“Not everybody has Facebook and so the sign will be there to keep residents informed as to what is happening in the area.”
“It will be beneficial for the Rural Fire Brigade and SES and vital during bad weather events.
“The digital sign is the first step of many great things to happen in Dingo Beach and we are so grateful to the Crisafulli Government for helping to get this grant through.”
Mackay and District Woodchopping Association Inc received $32,131.90 to repair their shed and connect power.
“This grant means a huge amount to our association,” Wade Neilsen said.
“It will allow us to rebuild the shed at Finch Hatton to store our equipment, trailer and woodchopping logs for local shows.
“A better shed means we can store more equipment, run more events and provide more services to local shows throughout Queensland”.
Round 124, the next round of grants under the fund, will offer grants of up to $100,000.
Applications open for Round 124 on June 9 and close July 18, 2025.
Visit https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants to apply.
Full list of recipients in the Whitsunday Electorate:
| Recipient Organisation | Purpose | Recommended Amount |
| Dingo Beach Progress Association | Digital sign and POS systems | $33,064 |
| Mackay and District Woodchopping Association Inc | Shed repair and power | $32,131.90 |
| My Gym Club Proserpine Inc | New shed | $35,000 |
| Proserpine Junior Cricket Association Inc | Amenities upgrade and buggy | $34,600 |
| Proserpine Kennel Club Inc | Gazebos and fridge | $7,413.40 |
| Proserpine Rugby League Football Club Inc | New Bus | $35,000 |
| Returned and Service League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Proserpine Sub Branch Inc | Exhaust system | $35,000 |
| Seaforth Boating Club Inc | Solar system | $10,000 |
| Whitsunday Bald Eagles Inc | New trailer | $35,000 |
| Whitsunday Community Gardens Inc | Solar system, workshop, advertising and equipment | $20,795 |
| Whitsunday Equestrian Group Inc | Grandstand and seating | $26,249.80 |
| Whitsunday Family History Group Inc | New computers | $4,500 |
| Whitsundays Arts Festival Inc | Events equipment | $33,683 |
| Zonta Club of Whitsundays Inc | IT equipment and emergency information packages | $9,533.55 |
