Connecting Gregory with $105,000 community infrastructure investment

• Blackall Tambo Regional Council has received $105,000 to support a

community-led infrastructure project in the Gregory Electorate.

• In total, $1.25 million has been awarded to six community-led projects across

Queensland through Multicultural Connect Grants Round 1.

• The new four-year $5 million program under the Crisafulli Government

supports community-led infrastructure projects which address the needs of

Queensland’s growing and diverse communities.

• The Crisafulli Government is investing in community infrastructure to break

down barriers and strengthen social cohesion across Queensland, after

Labor’s decade of decline.

The Crisafulli Government has delivered $105,000 to support community-led

infrastructure in the Gregory Electorate.

The Multicultural Connect Grants funding has been awarded to Blackall Tambo

Regional Council to upgrade the Blackall Memorial Hall. Upgrades will include air-conditioning, kitchen improvements, a small laundry facility and interior

refurbishment to support cultural cooking classes, arts and crafts workshops, dance

sessions and emergency support of crisis meals/laundry.

In total, the first round of the Multicultural Connect Grants program has invested

$1.25 million into six community-led infrastructure projects to support multicultural

groups – which have a total value of more than $3.2 million.

All projects will be supported through matched funding from the local organisation,

with recipients contributing dollar-for-dollar alongside the Queensland Government.

The six successful applicants will receive one-off grants to build or upgrade

community facilities to strengthen social cohesion and deliver more opportunities for

their local communities to fully participate socially, economically and culturally.

Multicultural Connect Grants is a new $5 million four-year program under the

Crisafulli Government to support community-led infrastructure projects which

address the needs of Queensland’s growing and diverse communities.

During Labor’s decade of decline, the former government used Queensland’s

multicultural communities as nothing more than a box-ticking exercise. The Crisafulli

Government is breaking down barriers and creating a more connected Queensland.

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the upgrade to the hall would create a safe

and accessible space for community programs in Blackall.

“The hall currently hosts youth programs, seniors’ activities and mentoring sessions,

but lacks adequate cooling and functional facilities, severely limiting its use in our

sweltering summers,” Mr Dillon said.

“These programs and activities play an important role in the social fabric of

communities like Blackall.

“This project will provide a permanent space for local cultural and multicultural

groups to share skills and traditions.

Blackall Tambo Regional Council Mayor Andrew Martin said while it was a small

rural Queensland community, their strength had always come from how they support

and connect with one another and this funding recognised that commitment.

“The Multicultural Connect Grant will allow us to upgrade our Memorial Hall into a

true gathering place where Blackall’s Lifestyle and Community Services Team and

local residents can come together through culturally rich and inclusive programs,”

Mayor Martin said.

“It’s an important investment in social connection, ensuring our community spaces

have the capacity to continue to reflect the diversity and resilience of our vibrant rural

community.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the first tranche of funding delivered

through Multicultural Connect Grants would empower communities to lead projects

which create welcoming spaces and strengthen social cohesion.

“The Crisafulli Government is investing $1.25 million in community-led projects with

matched local funding to deliver more than $3 million worth of lasting benefits across

Queensland,” Minister Simpson said.

“These community-led projects will create spaces where people can connect,

participate in sport and cultural activities, and build a real sense of belonging.

“We are committed to supporting vital community infrastructure to ensure that

regions across our state are safe, welcoming and inclusive for people from culturally

and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“After Labor’s decade of decline, the Crisafulli Government is backing our diverse

communities to celebrate their heritage and join us in building a better Queensland

with a shared future.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kerry-Lee Ferguson (07) 4913 100