Community groups advancing gender equality for Queensland women are front and centre in a grants program opened today by the Palaszczuk Government.
The Investing in Queensland Women program will provide $540,000 through two rounds of funding each year, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to successful applicants to deliver community initiatives, including projects that prevent and respond to domestic and family violence and sexual assault.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the grants would help address issues that affected women's status and roles in our community, and restricted women's full participation in the opportunities that Queensland offers.
"These grants will support community-driven events and strengthen partnerships across Queensland communities, no matter how remote. The groups work tirelessly to assist and respond to important issues faced by women," Ms Fentiman said.
"The Investing in Queensland Women program will bring together a number of funding initiatives that will ensure grants are flexible and readily available to applicants across the state throughout the year.
"Our aim is to promote and protect the rights, interests and the general wellbeing of Queensland women and girls and support them to fully participate in the economic, social and cultural opportunities our great state has to offer.
"Eligible organisations can submit an application in each round of grants, with categories consisting of up to $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000 amounts for initiatives."
Community-driven initiatives and activities can include targeted campaigns or events, such as workshops or training, or the development of community resources to promote and respond to a particular issue.
"These grants are welcomed news for community organisations as they enable us to continue the important work we do in achieving social justice for Queensland women and creating harmonious communities," said Stacey Ross, Director, The Centre for Women & Co.
The not-for-profit organisation educates, supports and empowers women and their families across the Redlands and Logan region.
"Investing in Queensland women is so important – it means we give them the best head start to achieve their goals," Ms Ross said.
Ms Fentiman said the Investing in Queensland Women grant program consolidated three previous grants programs.
"Bringing together these programs will help provide greater consistency and flexibility for community organisations, reduce the administrative burden, and encourage initiatives across the range of issues relating to women, domestic and family violence, and the prevention of sexual violence," Ms Fentiman said.
"Successful applicants are encouraged to deliver their initiatives throughout the year rather than be limited to a set awareness period, offering further flexibility.
"Support groups that may face multiple levels of disadvantage or identify as more vulnerable, as especially encouraged to apply.
"This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people in rural, regional and remote communities, and young and older people."
Ms Fentiman said women in Australia still faced considerable issues surrounding domestic violence, and this funding represented a key component in the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to challenge the problem.
"Our message remains clear to all Queensland women – we're enhancing our support networks across the state and there is somewhere you can go and assistance you can receive if you don't feel safe," Ms Fentiman said.
Applications for round 1 of the grants can now be submitted, and close 5 March 2021.
