210228: Ann Leahy’s Funding Update – February

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Ann Leahy’s February 2021 Funding Update  Community Drought Support Program 2020-21Applications close at 2pm, Monday 15th February 2021 from eligible organisations to deliver between $12,000 and $200,000 in one-off funding. Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, local councils, neighbourhood and community centres, emergency relief providers, and school P & Cs are encouraged to apply.   The grants aim to strengthen the resilience of drought-affected Queenslanders through the delivery of:-  Flexible Financial Hardship payments to alleviate hardship and cost of living pressures for individuals, households and communities impacted by the drought; and Community events and activities that contribute to connectedness and social well-being.  For information on how to apply and guidelines, visit: www.communities.qld.gov.au/funding, email: grantqueries@communities.qld.gov.au; or contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office,  Ph 1800 625 430.

Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program for Regional Queensland – Round 2Applications can be made via the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority’s (QRIDA) application portal. The available grant amount is a minimum of $2,000 and up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible small or micro business.  In recognition of the significant impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, the funding can be used towards the following:

• financial, legal or other professional advice to support business sustainability and diversification
• continuing to meet business operational costs including utilities, council rates, rent, telecommunication charges, insurance fees, licensing or franchise fees
• strategic planning, financial counselling or business coaching aligned to business development and diversification
• building the business through marketing and communications activities (e.g. content development – web pages, mobile apps, visual and audio media etc.)
• digital/technological strategy development
• digital training or re-training and up-skilling employees to adapt to new business models
• capital costs associated with meeting COVID-19 safety requirements

·         specialised digital equipment or business specific software to move business operations online (e.g. logistics program for online ordering).Grant funds can be used towards any of the above activities occurring from 23 March 2020 onwards, however the project must be completed within a maximum of 6 months from the date of approval.  For more information about the grants or advice on your application, please contact the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687, email: adapt@desbt.qld.gov.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office, Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/adaption

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Community Grants Nominate a tennis club, tennis centre, school, association or other tennis venue affiliated with Tennis Australia that delivers the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program to have the chance to receive a grant of $10,000.   Applications close at 5pm AEDT on Monday, 22^nd March 2021.  For more information email:  sponship@anz.com; contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://www.gamesavematch.anz.com 

Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program  Applications close on 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 between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a national, state, territory and/or regional perspective.  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;   contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-commemorative-grants-program

Youngcare Home Support Grant (AHCG)Applications close on 17^th March 2021 for one-off grants of up to $10,000 to help those aged 16-65 years with high physical care needs who are living at home and are at risk of entering inappropriate housing. The grants provide funding for equipment, home modifications and essential support/respite that is unable to be funded through other means (e.g., NDIS). This funding is to both enhance the quality of life for young people with high physical care needs and assist them to remain living in their own home with loved ones. For further information please contact Youngcare Connect Team Ph 1800 844 727, email: youngcareconnect@youngcare.com.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit https://www.youngcare.com.au/what-we-do/grants/Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme The current round will remain open until 30 June 2021 or until funding is fully allocated. The Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme provides assistance up to $45,000 with a 50 per cent co-contribution from applicants, to offset the cost of purchasing and modifying a new wheelchair accessible taxi.  Full details of eligibility requirements can be found in the Scheme Guidelines. For more information: Ph 1800 623 946, email wats@qrida.qld.gov.au.  Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/current-programs/wheelchair-accessible-taxi-grant-scheme

 Year of Indigenous Tourism Festivals and Events Fund – (YOIT)Applications for grants of up to $25,000 (excl. GST) close on 1st June 2021 or when the funding allocation is exhausted.  The $200,000 YOIT Festivals and Events Fund provides strategic support to grow existing events and festivals that showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture in 2021 and must be staged by 31st December 2021.  Distribution of funds will be at Tourism and Events Queensland’s discretion.   Events should demonstrate their ability to achieve one of the following objectives: Generate local economic activity and development in the host destination; Attract external visitation to the destination; Drive social and community outcomes for the host destination; Enhance the profile and appeal of the host destination.  Examples of initiatives that can be funded through the YOIT Festivals and Events Fund include, but are not limited to: Marketing initiatives, Strategic plan development, Engagement of short-term specialised personnel, Hire of temporary infrastructure, Transport—bus/coach/ferry hire if reasonable and integral to the project, Initiatives for the betterment of the overall event experience (e.g. interpretive/information signage/installations), Event program initiatives (e.g. bands and musical accompaniments, speakers, artists, performers and other fees associated with securing event talent and content).  For more information please contact TEQ’s events team Ph 3535 3535, email:  events@queensland.com  Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:https://teq.queensland.com/events/events-support/year-of-indigenous-tourism

FairPlay Vouchers  – Round 4Voucher applications provide up to $150 which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.  There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per calendar year.  A child/young person (aged 5 to 17 years), or the parent, guardian or carer, must hold a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with the child/young person’s name on it to be eligible.  If there are significant issues that prevent the parent/carer/guardian from applying, a referral agent may apply on their behalf.  Voucher applications will close on 17^th March 2021 and Round 4 vouchers expire on 12^th May 2021.   Search the activity provider directory to check that: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/find-provider your chosen activity is listed; and there is a registered provider near you.    For more information contact: Danny Nearhos Ph 4531 8526, Penny Pike Ph 4596 1006, email: southwestsportrec@nprsr.qld.gov.au; or fairplayvouchers@npsr.qld.gov.au  Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply  Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) Applications to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) Round 108 will open in mid-January and close at 11.59pm on 28^th February 2021.  Grants from $500 and up to the value of $35,000 are available to eligible not-for-profit community groups. New applicants are encouraged to watch the tutorials on the website. Further assistance with  registering or applying for a grant is available on Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm (excluding public holidays) via Ph 3247 4284 or 1800 633 619, email cbf@justice.qld.gov.au;  Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/sponsorships-and-grants/grants/community-benefit-funding-programs

Arrow Energy Brighter Futures Program – Round 1 2021Applications will open Friday, 5^th March 2021 and close on Friday 2^nd April 2021 for small scale investments to meet community needs including local capacity building and assistance for one-off, local events or projects.  Preference is given to applications that: – address an identified area of need in the community; build local skills or capacity; or provide opportunities for community involvement. Priority is given to applications from communities within Arrow Energy’s areas of operation.  For more information Ph 1800 038 856, email: brighterfutures@arrowenergy.com.au; contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: https://www.arrowenergy.com.au/community/brighter-futures   Wettenhall Environmental Trust – Small Environmental Grants Scheme Grants offer varying amounts in support of groups or individuals undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban. Projects meeting eligibility criteria around flora and fauna conservation, threatened mammal conservation, and landscape restoration and education will be favourably received and should involve any of the following:- monitoring, recording and sharing data; delivering community education; providing community capacity building (e.g. skills training, organisation); research and science. For more information Ph 0431 219 980 email beth@wettenhall.org.au contact Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit: http://nwf.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/

Connellan Airways Trust – General Grants Applications are to be received by 15th February, 15^th May, 15^th August and 15^th November 2021 for small grants to assist people of all ages living in outback Australia for educational, health, communication and transport needs.  To view eligibility guidelines and the application process, please visit: https://www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au/general-grantsFor more information contact Connellan Airways Trust Executive Officer, Ph 1800 733 810 or email: info@connellanairwaystrust.org.au; or Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430.

 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.

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/

Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) – Round 20The Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) grant program helps 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. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.  Applications for the Round 20 close on 25^th February 2021 with successful applicants announced by May 2021.  Applications must address at least one of the following Program Objectives:  Reduce social isolation by facilitating strong social cohesion and connection;  Support and engage the community in leadership development and skills training;  Support opportunities for social and educational participation and address disadvantage caused by the drought, for children and young people; Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability and sustainability of local not-for-profit organisations to provide support to their communities, particularly where they are playing an increased role during the drought; and, Support local economic recovery or renewal through projects that stimulate economic activity and cash-flow within 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.  Tier 3 grants of up to $150,000 involve a two-stage application process. Applicants for Tier 3 must speak to FRRR before applying.  For more information contactFiona Bradshaw or Ashley Eadon Ph 1800 170 020, email: toughtimes@frrr.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://frrr.org.au/funding/disaster-resilience-and-climate-solutions/tackling-tough-times-together/

FRRR – Strengthening Rural Communities – Round 8Applications close on 23^rd February 2021 with grants available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.  Successful applicants in Round 8 will be announced by June 2021.

Small and Vital Stream for grants up to $10,000 for communities with fewer than 15,000 people outside major cities for projects initiated and delivered by local community groups, not-for-profits and organisations that do not have DGR status. All requests will be considered, however priorities for funding are flood recovery, general support, healthy ageing and digital inclusion. 

Larger Leverage Stream for grants up to $25,000 that support communities in remote or very remote Australia will be allocated to specific project focus areas of general support, healthy ageing, flood recovery and digital inclusion.If you have any queries or wish to discuss your project please contact Sue Devereaux at FRRR on 1800 170 020, email: info@frrr.org.au; Ann Leahy’s Electorate Office Ph 1800 625 430 or visit:  https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/strengthening-rural-communities/ 

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:  https://qcwa.org.au/Public-Rural-Crisis-Fund

Australian Government Support and National ServicesIndividuals, 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:  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 and Employers, Individuals and Households: To find information and stay up-to-date on the Australian Government’s latest support for businesses and employers, individuals and households visit:  https://ourcomeback.gov.au/#useful-links  or call 13 28 46. For Queensland Government business grants and assistance visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/   or Ph 1300 654 687.  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. 

Ann Leahy MP — Member for Warrego

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers

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