The Community Partnership Funding Program provides up to three years of operational funding to a diverse range of community groups across the region, allowing them to dedicate their time and resources to deliver their services to the community.
Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said more than $870,000 in funding had been allocated to 113 local not-for-profit community groups across the region this financial year.
"By covering operational costs such as insurances and general maintenance, the program ensures that the funded groups can continue to operate, and invest their time and energy into providing vital services to their members and the broader community," Cr McKay said.
"One of the three-year recipients funded in the Community Facilities category is Nungeena, which manage a community meeting space and provide a wide range of activities including cultural awareness programs, arts and craft workshops, and bush tucker experiences.
"Nungeena is one of two local First Nations organisations successful in this round.
"These groups align strongly with council's Reconciliation Action Plan, which supports social and economic opportunities for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the Sunshine Coast."
Nungeena Chairperson Garmi Nungeena (Lucille Thompson) said Nungeena was located on ancient sacred land adjacent to Mount Beerwah.
"Nungeena's focus is to weave in a new Dreaming, bringing together all people to share the cultural and spiritual knowledge of Aboriginal people and the land," she said.
"We run Aboriginal dot and symbol painting workshops with Elder and artist Aunty Eve Kitchener every Sunday from 10am-3.30pm, which are open to the broader community.
"Plans are underway to develop a bush tucker pathway around our six hectare property, which will be used to share knowledge of how native plants were traditionally used for food, medicine, weaving and/or tools. We will also soon be launching bush tucker nights.
"The restaurant is an ideal meeting space as it contains a kitchen, dining area and undercover area. Adjacent to this is a large lawn used for yarning circles, camp fires and movie nights under the stars.
"We invite people to come out and experience this peaceful place for themselves."
