Nine community groups across Townsville will bring a mix of culture, free events and marine conservation efforts are set to benefit from more than $90,000 of cash grants and more than $2,600 in fee waivers awarded at today's Council's Ordinary Meeting.
Councillors voted to approve cash grants of:
- $20,000 to Bindal Sharks
- $28,000 to Pacific Action Sports
- $26,500 to Townsville Greek & Cultural Festival Inc.
Councillors also noted:
- a cash grant of $3,371.79 to The FINstitute
- a cash and in-kind grant of $5,000 to Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability Queensland
- a fee waiver grant of $1,971 to U3A
- a cash grant of $2,870 to ABC Volunteers Townsville Ltd
- a cash grant of $2,009.09 to the Association of Townsville Hindu Malayalees Australia Inc
- a cash grant of $4,500 to Long Tan Aussie Masters Swimming Townsville.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the funding would help thousands of Townsville residents and visitors take part in community events and activities.
"The grants approved today included quick response grants, economic activation partnerships and a community organisation partnership," Cr Dametto said.
"Council's grants program supports a wide range of organisations and initiatives, with today's recipients including sporting clubs, cultural events, disability organisations and senior groups.
"These activities help strengthen Townsville's vibrant lifestyle and ensure there's something for everyone to get involved in, no matter their age or interests."
Townsville Greek and Cultural Festivals Inc President Bill Malandris OAM said having Council's support was instrumental to bringing Greek Day Out to Townsville this October.
"The reason we applied for a grant through the Townsville City Council was initially to restart an event … as our previous very popular Greek Fest had stopped due to COVID-19 and unfortunately, for various reasons, had not restarted," Mr Malandris said.
"We feel it is imperative to restart the festival so our younger children can appreciate our rich culture and be proud of their heritage so that it doesn't fade into obscurity. It is an event that has been missing and was missed by all in the city for the last six years.
"Our aim is to deliver family-friendly entertainment, ensuring the City of Townsville remains the events capital of the North."
