$109K support for 30 local initiatives

Published on 30 April 2024

30 local community events and programs are set to benefit from Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Assistance Program (CAP) with more than $109,000 granted in round two of the 2023/24 program.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said Council is thrilled to once again support a number of exciting local community initiatives that will roll out across the region over the coming months.

“During rounds one and two of the 2023/24 program, Council proudly supported and provided funding assistance to 53 local groups, organisations and community or sporting groups - contributing over $165,000 to local events and projects,” Mayor Williams said.

“The continued success of the Community Assistance Program has seen numerous events thrive and increase in popularity over the years, marking it as an invaluable initiative to benefit our community.

“We’ve seen some local events grow significantly over the years and become staple events in our region.

“At its heart, the Community Assistance Program is about supporting local projects and initiatives that benefit our community, and it’s something we’re very proud to continue delivering.”

Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said this round boasted a diverse array of recipients, with funding delivered for both local and regional events, as well as development, environmental and sustainability initiatives.

“The funding from this round will benefit major events like the Alton Downs 60 Years of Polocrosse event, Central Queensland Motor Sporting Club’s Gold Rush Sprint 2024, the Paradise Lagoons and Ridgelands Campdrafts, and the Uniting Care Lifeline Bookfest,” Cr Wickerson said.

“Among other exciting events and initiatives is the 29th Australasian Mahjong Festival, BMX Rocky Rumble, and Romp in the Park 2024, as well as Wellness Workshops and club upgrades.

“This program continues to have a really positive impact on the entire community, and we hope to see even more people apply during the 2024/25 round.”

Matthew Sleaford, Rockhampton Golf Club President, said the $10,000 the club received through the Community Assistance Program for the Ian Weigh Toyota Rockhampton Pro-Am will assist in further building the event’s reputation as the best of its kind in Queensland.

“The event was awarded the 2019 Tournament of the Year, and the 2021 and 2023 Regional Tournament of the Year at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards – this is something that the Rockhampton golf community is very proud of but would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our sponsors and Rockhampton Regional Council,” Mr Sleaford said.

“The Ian Weigh Toyota Rockhampton Pro-Am attracts about 80 leading golf professionals from across Australia – they love the course, they love our city and they return to their home towns spreading the word about how great the Rockhampton region is.

“This year’s event runs from July 10 to 12, with the main three-day competition offering a prize pool of $55,000.

“As well as the chance to watch amazing athletes up close, there will be great food and live music each day, and we encourage the public to come along to this free event.”

The next round of the Community Assistance Program opens 27 May 2024.

For more information about the program, visit here.

The successful recipients of round two of the 2023/24 Community Assistance Program are as follows: