12 September 2022
Published 01 May 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council has acted swiftly to push funding into the bank accounts of community, sport and recreation groups who are doing it tough through COVID-19.
Mayor Peter Flannery said more than $1 million worth of COVID-19 Community Hardship and Assistance Grants had been fast-tracked so that community groups can stay afloat and not-for-profit agencies can continue providing services to those in need.
“We know our community is doing it tough right now and it could be some time before things are back to some kind of normality,” Mayor Flannery said.
“That’s why we moved quickly to get this funding into the pockets of organisations who are the lifeblood of Moreton Bay.
“They provide invaluable services to the community and in many instances are the first touch point for people who are doing it tough.
“Council’s funding has allowed not-for-profits like Encircle Redcliffe to continue delivering food parcels and essentials to members of the public who were already struggling before corona hit.
“Samford Support Network has already begun using the $10,000 they received through Council’s hardship grants to purchase shopping and medication for vulnerable residents of the community.
“Pine Rivers Meals on Wheels were able to team up with Aspley Australian Football Club to increase their home deliveries during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s amazing what can be achieved when we all work together for a sole purpose, and Council is proud to assist in whatever way we can.”
With local sport postponed, Pine Rivers Netball Association (PRNA) saw an opportunity within the funding program to also help deliver meals to the most vulnerable in the community.
PRNA Finance Officer Trudi Young said she also approached 13 local businesses to purchase vouchers that can be distributed to the public.
“Our local businesses were thrilled of the idea that were supporting them during this time and were extremely grateful, not to mention the members who received the vouchers,” she said.
“Some businesses kindly doubled their voucher values or donated extras to help support their project.
“The recipients were totally surprised and full of gratitude toward us and Council for helping to provide these vouchers. It has come at a perfect time, thank you so much Moreton Bay Regional Council.”