Category Archives: Health and Medical

Ann Leahy’s Funding Update and COVID-19 Information and Support

Ann Leahy’s June 2020 Funding Update

Ann Leahy’s Scholarships Guide

The Guide is a summary of contact numbers and website addresses for scholarships at major universities, agricultural colleges, training and apprenticeship information, and a listing of scholarships in a range of areas such as rural industry, veterinary, medicine, pharmacy, teaching, sport, engineering and the arts. Year 12 students in the Warrego Electorate will receive a copy of the 2020/21 Guide, however should any other students, teachers or mature age students require a copy it will be made available upon request from my Electorate Offices Ph 1800 814 479 or Ph 1800 625 430 or email warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) – has been paused until further notice

On the 21^st May 2020 – the Gambling Community Benefit Fund was paused due to COVID-19.

https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants

Easternwell Community Grants

Applications can be submitted by 30th June 2020 for funding assistance of up to $2,000 per applicant, per round in support of activities or opportunities which provide lasting community benefit in the areas of Community, Education, Health, Indigenous, Safety and Youth, demonstrating long lasting benefits to the community, enhancing community operations through programs, infrastructure or equipment and located within key areas in close proximity of Easternwell operations.  The online application form is available at:   https://www.easternwell.com.au/page/attachment/11/ewg-1612076-community-grants-application-form_final  and can be emailed to: communitygrants@easternwell.com.au or sent by post Community Grants, PO Box 6367, Toowoomba QLD 4350. For more information contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  www.easternwell.com.au/communitygrants

Queensland Mental Health Week Community Grants Program

Applications close on 24th July 2020 for grants of up to $2,500 to host events and activities that will:  Increase community awareness of, and engagement in, mental health and wellbeing;  Promote education and understanding of mental illness; and Foster inclusion of those living with mental illness, their families, carers, and support people.  Applicants are encouraged to partner with mental health and other local organisations as well as local councils to maximise the reach and impact of their QMHW event/activity.  For more information Ph 3252 9411 email admin@qamh.org.au; contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/grants/

The National Volunteer Week Small Grants Initiative for 2020

Applications close Tuesday 30th June 2020 for grants of up to $500 to support and celebrate  volunteers.  Funds provide an opportunity for Queensland volunteer organisations to host events and initiatives for volunteers once restrictions are lifted post COVID-19.   For further information contact Volunteering Queensland Ph 3002 7600, email: grants@volunteeringqld.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://volunteeringqld.org.au/

CCI Giving’s Small Grants Program  – Round 6

Applications open on 1st  July 2020 and close on 4th September 2020. Organisations that hold DGR Item 1 status can apply for single grants of up to $5,000 to support events or projects, and up to $10,000 to support small capital works initiatives.  The program’s aim is to assist young people experiencing educational disadvantage, refugees and people seeking asylum, families affected by mental illness and those affected by domestic violence.  More information on how previous program recipients are using funds to respond to emerging needs in their local communities can be found on the website https://ccigiving.org.au.   Applicants should call (02) 9779 6317 for a preliminary conversation or email contact details to CCI Giving ccigiving@australianphilanthropicservices.com.au;   as a first step. Some organisations will be invited to provide a detailed funding application with supporting documentation.

Albert and Barbara Tucker Foundation

Applications close on 14^th August 2020 for grants to charitable organisations of up to $25,000 for projects that support and address disadvantage in areas of the arts, education (primary, secondary and tertiary), equality and social acceptance, domestic violence, prevention of cruelty to animals, and the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat.  For further information email mara@tuckerfoundation.org.au  contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: http://tuckerfoundation.org.au/

Western Downs Regional Council  – Community Hardship and Assistance Grants Program 

Applications opened on 1st June 2020 and close 1st June 2021 or sooner if all funds are expended.   Amounts of up to $10,000 in funding to provide ‘quick response’ financial assistance to eligible community organisations experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, including financial assistance to a community or sporting organisation to remain viable during the COVID-19 crisis as a result of lost income, financial hardship as a result of being unable to reclaim funds outlaid for an event or project cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis, and projects to assist organisations develop alternate service delivery models.   To apply and for further information visit:  https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/grants-funding/community-hardship-and-assistance-grant/

Queensland Destination Events Program – Round 17

Applications will open in July and close in October with actual dates to be confirmed.  Funding is available for Queensland events being staged between May 2021 and May 2022.  Events play a key role in fostering regional tourism and economic development. Tourism is an essential industry to many rural and regional centres, ensuring economic stability, and events can be a cost-effective way of promoting a region and its attractions – as an event grows, it attracts tourists in its own right.

The positive economic impact and interest in a community that a successful regional event can provide not only helps to build a sense of local pride but can also foster confidence and strengthen the community as a whole.   The Queensland Destination Events Program (QDEP), formerly the Regional Development Program (RDP), seeks to leverage the crucial link between events and the destinations in which they are staged, extending the flow of the economic, marketing and social benefits of events throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland.

There are two streams of funding:

• destination event funding – single year funding for developing events seeking growth

($10 000 to $25 000 per year)

• significant event funding – single year or up to 3 years of funding for events that can demonstrate             a strong track record of growth or growth potential ($25,000 to $100,000 per year).

For more information on eligibility, funding uses, funding conditions, and the application process please check the QDEP Funding Guidelines   If you have any questions about the application process, please contact TEQ Ph 3535 3535, via email at events@queensland.com or Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://teq.queensland.com/Events/Events-Support/Queensland-Destination-Events-Program

Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program 

Applications are assessed in batches.  The next cut-off date is 15^th July 2020 with the final closing date 11^th  February 2021.  There are grants available in two categories; Community Commemorative Grants up to a maximum of $10,000 and Major Commemorative Grants that are significant from a national or state/territory perspective, between $10,001 and $150,000.  The program is designed to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage and to involve people throughout the nation in a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who served have played in shaping the nation.  For more information and assistance Ph 1800 020 283 email support@communitygrants.gov.au and Quote 2019-3559;   contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-commemorative-grants-program

RACQ Foundation – Round 2

Applications close on Friday, 17th July 2020.  The RACQ Foundation’s priorities are to help affected community organisations providing assistance to victims of drought, floods, cyclones and other natural disasters to rebuild with grants up to $50,000.  If you are a community organisation supporting drought efforts download the Drought Application Form.  If your community organisation is supporting those affected by all other natural disasters, download the general application form.   To be eligible for funding your organisation must meet each of the criteria:- Your organisation must be either a small to medium community organisation; or a charity or other organisation with a charitable purpose. The project must benefit Queenslanders who have been significantly affected by drought, flood, or other weather event or natural disaster or seek to prevent such events from negatively impacting on Queensland communities.  The project must be completed within 12 months of funding.  To apply, download the appropriate application form, complete and send to racqfoundation@racq.com.au.  For assistance or if you would like to discuss your application, please contact 07 3872 8603.  Applications and supporting documents can also be sent by mail to: Foundation Administrator, RACQ Foundation, PO Box 4,  Springwood QLD 4127  https://www.racq.com.au/about/community-and-sponsorships/racq-foundation

FairPlay Voucher – Round 3 (replaces Get Started Vouchers program).

Round 3 opens in July 2020.  Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child/young person. Vouchers can be used towards the cost of membership, registration and/or participation fees for eligible activities with registered physical activity providers. Support will also be available for families who struggle with the cost of regular participation but have not previously met the eligibility criteria for a voucher.  As part of a limited trial, families with a combined household annual income of less than $55,000, who do not hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, can register an expression of interest for a FairPlay voucher.  For more information visit:

https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply Ph 137 468, email: fairplayvouchers@npsr.qld.gov.au; or contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430.

Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT)

Tackling Tough Times Together is a rolling grants program with applications accepted at any time and assessed quarterly.  The program’s aim is to help communities access the resources they need to support one another through the ongoing effects of the drought.  Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.  Three tiers of grants are available:  Up to $20,000 – projects to be finalised within 18 months of approval;  Up to $60,000 – projects to be finalised within 18 months of approval;  Up to $150,000 – applications for this tier are by Expression of Interest, and multi-year projects (up to three years) are welcomed. Applicants must speak with the TTTT team to discuss their project before applying.  NOTE: Expressions of Interest close approximately 3 weeks before the quarterly due date for applications.   Projects in all tiers must clearly demonstrate a focus on one activity from the following seven areas, with a further breakdown of what can be funded on the website.  1. Building community resilience; 2. Developing organisational resilience and capacity; 3. Enhancing environmental sustainability; 4. Fostering cultural vibrancy; 5. Lifelong learning and education; 6. Economic strength; 7. Improving community health and social wellbeing.  For more information Ph 1800 170 020, email toughtimes@frrr.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://www.frrr.org.au/grants/tackling_tough_times_together.php

FRRR – Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) – Small & Vital Grants

This program is currently under review – Applications will re-open from mid-July 2020. Small & Vital grants can be used for a wide range of purposes including: Delivering activities, programs and services; Purchasing or hiring equipment and materials; Community infrastructure projects; and Operational and administrative costs associated with a project will be considered. This could include wages, paying a skilled contractor, or paying for overhead costs incurred in the project’s delivery.  Applications must clearly demonstrate a focus on one activity from the following seven activity areas. 1. Building community resilience; 2. Developing organisational resilience and capacity; 3. Enhancing environmental sustainability; 4. Fostering cultural vibrancy; 5. Lifelong learning and education; 6. Economic strength; and 7. Improving community health and social wellbeing.  Further detailed information of activities that will be considered for funding can be found on the website. www.frrr.org.au;  Small & Vital is a rolling grants program, however the program is currently under review and applications will re-open from mid-July 2020.   The cut-off for submissions and outcome advisory dates of successful applicants are listed on the website.  If you have any queries or wish to discuss your project please contact FRRR on 1800 170 020, email: info@frrr.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://www.frrr.org.au/SRC_Small_Vital.php.

Coronavirus COVID-19

To access the latest and most up-to-date Information on COVID-19 visit: https://www.australia.gov.au/

This website provides comprehensive details and advice across the following areas:

• COVID-19 Essential Information
• Key Updates
• Health Alerts and Advice
• Restrictions and Safety Advice
• Financial Support
• Business and Employer Information
• Support for Individuals, Families and Communities
• Education and Child Care Information
• State and Territory Government Information
• (How to) Stay Connected

Queensland Chief Health Officer public health directions: –

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers

Queensland border pass

Important Notice: A separate application is required for each individual, including children, and all travellers in your party must be eligible for an exemption.  https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass

Other more specific and useful sites:

COVID-Safe Workplace

Provides Guidance to Employers, Small Businesses and workers to get back to work in a safer environment. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces 

Agriculture

The Australian Government is working to keep Agricultural Industries safe and strong. Find advice on how COID-19 affects you, your workforce and your activities.  https://www.agriculture.gov.au/coronavirus

The Queensland Government has announced Information developed for seasonal workers, including temporary visa holders, on their requirements at  https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/help-and-advice/backpacker-information.    These changes align with the National Cabinet decision to support agriculture and secure Australia’s food supplies.  The new framework does this by introducing measures for the workplace, accommodation and transport.  More information on these changes are available online for businesses, including templates for the health management plans at    https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/coronavirus-support/seasonal-workers-covid19/

ATO Customer Support Infoline

The Australian Tax Office  (ATO) is providing assistance to businesses experiencing financial difficulties because of COVID-19, including deferred payments and monthly GST credits. These relief options will not be automatically applied, so you need to contact the ATO directly to discuss them. The ATO Emergency Support Infoline is available on 1800 806 218.

Australian Government Helpline

If your business has been affected by the coronavirus, the Government has a team of dedicated customer representatives who can help you on 13 28 46. Their dedicated team will be available to assist you with extended hours between 7am – 11pm across Australia, Monday to Sunday.

Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off

The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). This applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second‑hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.  Further information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/instant-asset-write-off

Backing Business Investment

A time limited 15-month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions. This applies to eligible assets acquired from 12 March 2020 and first used or installed by 30 June 2021.  Further information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/backing-business-investment-bbi

Boosting cash flow for employers

The Government is providing temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations that employ staff and have been affected by the economic downturn associated with coronavirus.  Further information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/boosting-cash-flow-for-employers

Supporting apprentices and trainees

If you employ an apprentice or trainee, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.  Further information:  https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/supporting-apprentices-and-trainees

Deferring Payroll Tax

Apply by 31^st December 2020. For further information:  https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-tax-relief

Australian Government Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) – Round 2

– Completion date for this Round is 30 June 2020 –

Up to $3,000 per household is available to farmers, farm workers or farm suppliers/contractors; who derive their primary income from farming-related activities; are experiencing hardship as a result of the drought; are over 18 years of age; who live or work in an eligible Local Government Area; and are an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. The application form takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

Residents of Balonne, Bulloo, Maranoa Regional, Murweh, Paroo and Western Downs Regional Council areas apply to St Vincent de Paul Society via https://drought.svdp.org.au/apply  For assistance with the application (if required) Ph 1300 846 643, email: droughtrelief@svdp.org.au or visit: https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/drought_assistance/

Residents of Quilpie Shire apply to The Salvation Army via:  https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/rural-support/drought-community-support-initiative/   For assistance with the application (if required) Ph 1300 551 030.

QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund (PRCF)

The QCWA are currently assisting farmers and their families with household support in flood and drought affected areas, in every part of Queensland.  Assistance is limited to one successful application per calendar year. Support is given in the form of grocery vouchers, store credit or being able to pay some overdue accounts such as utility bills. For more information, Ph 07 3026 1220 email: prcf@qcwa.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  http://www.qcwa.org.au/what-we-do/public-rural-crisis-fund/

Australian Government Support and National Services

Individuals, families, farms, and rural and regional communities can access a range of services and support to help them manage during times of hardship, including drought, and prepare for future conditions.   It is important that those in need of support do not self-assess their eligibility for assistance and instead seek advice from an expert, like a rural financial counsellor.  For more information on services and assistance available, please access the following link (below).   https://farmhub.org.au

The Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland (RFCS-SQ)

Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland provides free, impartial, confidential, and responsive rural financial counselling services, supporting and assisting primary producers, and small and medium businesses experiencing financial hardship.  For more information, Small and Medium Business call 1300 732 777, Primary Producers 07 4622 5500 or visit: https://www.rfcssq.org.au/.  If you do not have internet access, please contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au; for assistance.

Other Grants and Assistance available to Businesses including COVID-19:

To find information and stay up-to-date on the Australian Government’s latest COVID-19 support for business visit: https://business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business  or call 13 28 46.

For Queensland Government business grants and assistance including COVID-19 visit  https://business.qld.gov.au; Ph 13 74 68.

If you do not have internet access or you require assistance please contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au for further information regarding any of these grant programs.

Kind Regards

Ann Leahy MP — Member for Warrego

Shadow Minister for Local Government

Roma Office       T: 4570 1100 or 1800 814 479 PO Box 945 ROMA Q  4455

Dalby Office T: 4519 0700 or 1800 625 430 PO Box 262 DALBY Q 4405

E warrego@parliament.qld.gov.au   F www.facebook.com/AnnLeahyLNP