Community organisations in the Samford, Pine Rivers and Moreton Bay regions have been given a much-needed funding injection to the tune of $714,000 thanks to Pine Rivers Community Finance Ltd.
Aimed at supporting projects and programs that enrich vital local communities, the 12 organisations to be awarded grants will be announced at a special community event at Sunshine Coast University’s Moreton Bay campus.
“We are thrilled to be able to support local community organisations with funding through this inaugural major grant program,” said Pine Rivers Community Finance Board Chair Malcolm Frizzell.
“We are passionate about supporting our local communities because we are part of the local community, and we know the vital roles that community organisations play in supporting our communities.
“To be able to reinvest our profits into some incredible projects and programs that make a genuine difference to people in our region is a great outcome for our bank.”
Operating Community Bank Samford, a full-service Bendigo Bank branch, profits are returned directly to the community through sponsorships, grants, dividends to community shareholders, and funding to eligible non-profit organisations in the Samford, Pine Rivers and Narangba region for projects that are deemed to benefit the wider community.
Primarily focused on those initiatives that support families, youth, health, education, environment, and the arts, with the announcement of this major grant round, Community Bank Samford has reached the incredible milestone of $2 million of financial support since 2002.
“One of the aspects of the program we are most proud of is the diversity of organisations we support. In this round, we are supporting twelve community organisations ranging from the Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade, which will receive funding to convert a ute into a rapid response ‘Light Attack’ rescue vehicle suitable for rural terrain and Pine Rivers Catchment Association, which will receive funding for the first comprehensive water quality monitoring project in the Pine Rivers area,” said Malcolm.
First Officer Don Schouten of the Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade passionately expressed the vital need for community support, stating, “While we do receive public funding, the specialised capabilities essential for our community rely heavily on additional funding.” The Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade is deeply grateful for the unwavering support from Pine Rivers Community Finance. Their generous grant will have a significant positive impact on our dedicated volunteers and the broader community.
This funding will be used to construct a new light attack vehicle, a crucial addition to our firefighting arsenal. This vehicle is specifically designed to navigate the challenging terrain of the Closeburn and Cedar Creek areas, ensuring that our brigade can effectively respond to emergencies in these difficult-to-reach locations.
The community’s generosity enables us to continue our vital work, protecting lives and property against the risk of bush fires. Together, we are making a tangible difference, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Pine Rivers Community Finance for their incredible support.
Funding Recipients
The 12 NFP organisations to receive funding, with a combined total of $714,000 include:
- Closeburn Rural Fire Brigade – receiving funding for the construction of a new light attack vehicle
- The Pyjama Foundation – receiving funding for a one-year Pine Rivers Pyjama Angel Placement Push
- Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) – receiving funding for Changing the Story, healing relationships through positive parenting after domestic and family violence.
- Dayboro Men’s Shed – receiving funding for Storage shed and rec room renovations.
- Guide Dogs Qld – receiving funding for Kitchen upgrade and support for therapy, training, and group classes for unfunded clients.
- A Brave Life – receiving funding for Living a Brave Life – Young Mothers Pilot Program.
- Samford Area Men’s Shed – receiving funding for Integrated Dust Collection System.
- Blind Bats – receiving funding for A Beeping Cricket Ball.
- Samford Community Kindergarten – receiving funding for Disabled access improvements.
- The Nest Community – receiving funding for Stitch Together program.
- Queensland PCYC – receiving funding for The Youth Space – creating a useable, ‘fit for purpose’ space.
- Pine Rivers Catchment Association – receiving funding for Pine Rivers Water Quality Monitoring Program.
