A popular Maroochydore rowing club will have new storage for its boats with the help of a Federal Government grant.
The Sunshine Coast Rowing Club is one of four community groups in Maroochydore to receive an early Christmas present under the Stronger Communities Program.
The club’s membership base has grown so rapidly that its shed is bursting with boats and requires an extension.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said 20 community groups across the electorate were sharing $150,000 in grants to improve or install facilities and buy much needed equipment.
“It was great to meet with members of the Sunshine Coast Rowing Club which is to receive $12,000,” Mr O’Brien said.
Sunshine Coast Rowing Club treasurer Tony George said every available inch of the current shed was crammed with boats.
“Since the club started it has just grown and grown and it’s so choc-a-bloc that we’ve been storing boats externally,” Mr George said.
“This grant has helped because it means we can build the extension and then go back to focusing on our core business which is rowing.”
A number of other community groups have also benefitted with the Maroochydore area alone receiving $36,870.
“The Maroochydore Beach Gymnastics Association receives $12,000 towards the installation of stadium seating at its Wises Road premise which is currently being rebuilt after being destroyed by fire earlier this year,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Kidney Support Network will use its $9,000 to help buy a patient transport unit and the local St Vincent de Paul Society gets $3,870 towards air conditioning.”
Mr O’Brien said the Stronger Communities grants – totalling $22.5 million across Australia – funded projects that encouraged participation and contributed to vibrant neighbourhoods.
“The Maroochydore region is very community oriented and there are so many motivated groups that might not have the budgets to undertake their own projects but for which the Federal Government has proudly contributed,” Mr O’Brien said.