A further eight successful recipients of the Blair Stronger Communities will share in $93,500.

Federal Member for Blair said this was the final 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 final eight successful applications and believe these projects will make a big difference in their communities.”

• Western Pride Football Club (Flinders View) - $20,000 to install women’s change facilities
• Tivoli Social Enterprises (Tivoli) - $18,000 towards upgrading bathroom facilities to comply with being an emergency evacuation centre.
• St Luke’s Anglican Parish (Rosewood) - $17,500 towards upgrading toilet facilities.
• Beacon Community Church (Brassall) - $10,000 to upgrade kitchen facilities suitable for emergency evacuation centre.
• Linville Progress Association (Linville) - $10,000 for community garden hardscaping project
• Leichhardt Baptist Church (Leichhardt) - $10,000 towards purchase of a community BBQ trailer.
• Our Lady of Southern Cross Church (Springfield Lakes) - $5,000 towards audio-visual and livestreaming equipment.
• Toogoolawah and District History Group (Toogoolawah) - $3,000 to upgrade archive shed.

“We know it has been a tough 18 months, which is why 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.

“Combined with the first five projects announced last month, these projects reach across the entire electorate and will provide ongoing benefits for years to come.”

Mr Neumann said it was clear there was a huge need for community support, with so many applications for the Stronger Communities Program, the Blair Volunteers Grant Program and most recently the Blair Powering Communities Program.

“There is time for community groups to submit an expression of Interest (EOI) for the Blair Powering Communities Program.

“These grants provide between $5,000 to $12,000 to support endeavours for community organisations to reduce their power bills and improve energy efficiency.

“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