Five successful recipients of the Blair Stronger Communities will share in $56,500.

Federal Member for Blair said this was the first round of announcements for successful groups that will share in $150,000 worth of funding.

“We had around 80 applications requesting over $1.16 million for a range of community projects across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area,” Mr Neumann said.

“The Blair Stronger Communities Advisory Committee, which sifted through the applications, had a tough job to find just 13 projects to receive grants from $2,500 to $20,000.

“I am pleased to announce the first five successful applications and believe these projects will make a big difference in their communities.”

• Ipswich Switches Junior Speedway (Willowbank) - $18,400 to install new timing equipment that will help the club attract bigger events to the track.
• Vedanta Centre (Springfield Central) - $15,000 towards fitting out a community kitchen, which provides food and assistance throughout the community.
• Lady Musgrave Trust (Ipswich) - $12,000 to for improved security and safety to a Women and Children’s housing complex.
• Lowood Bowls Club - $7,800 to upgrade kitchen and bowling green equipment.
• Folk Art Cooperative (Lowood) - $3,300 to improve disability access to the shopfront.

“We know it has been a tough 18 months this round of funding could provide up to 100 per cent of the project costs.

“The Stronger Communities Program aims to improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

“I am looking forward to making further announcements about successful groups over the next few weeks.”

Mr Neumann said it was clear there was a huge need for community support, with so many applications for both the Stronger Communities Program and the more recent Blair Volunteers Grant programs.

“While expressions of Interest (EOI) applications for the Blair Volunteer Grants program have just closed, I am calling on community groups interested in a grant to assist with reducing power prices and improving energy efficiency.

“The Powering Communities grant will provide between $5,000 to $12,000 for up to 12 groups across the electorate.

“The only way to participate is to contact my office for an EOI pack.”

For more information contact Shayne Neumann’s office on 3201 5300 or email Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au