2010 / 2011 GRANTS

We had two rounds of grant distributions this financial year as we moved the 2011 grants to April to align with our reporting. During this financial year The Mackay Foundation gave to the following organisations:

Grapevine Group Association Inc

The Grapevine Group received two grants in this financial year, $5,874.62 in October 2010 and $1,641.00 in April 2011. The grants were used to provide free SafeTALK workshops to the Mackay community. This training provides attendees with the valuable skills to identify when someone may be at risk of selfharm and the ability to direct them to resources. Funds were also used to print suicide support cards which compile an important list of prevention resources.

Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland

A grant of $5,874.62 was used to conduct ARTS IN MIND,a project to promote integration of people living with mental illness within the wider community. This approach promotes the recovery model of mental health care that empowers consumers and reduces community stigma. The program provided a weekly art session for participants (including the space, equipment and facilitation) to develop their potential as an artist and to explore their artist profile and ways to establish themselves.
It has awakened the participants’ inspiration, confidence and creativeness and allowed them to begin to rebuild their connectiveness to the arts and their lives. The Project culminated in an exhibition of works held during Mental Health Week.

Community Accommodation and Support Agency Inc (CASA)

A grant of $2,827.00 was used to provide furniture for the reception and interview rooms in the Agency’s new premises. Due to increased demands for their services CASA was relocated to new premises and were in need of new furniture for their additional interview rooms and reception area. The grant for new furniture was extremely well received and meant that clients of CASA, many who are facing difficult circumstances, are welcomed into a premises that is comfortable, clean and safe, making them feel more worthy and valued as a member of our community.

Mackay Riding for Disabled

A grant of $2,060.00 was used to conduct a two day training course in Mackay with state coaching co-ordinators that enabled the centre to receive accreditation as a Band 1 Centre, and accredit local coaches, volunteers and horses.

The workshop has enabled Mackay Riding for Disabled to increase the number of lessons it provides to the disabled community in the region and access extra hands-on training every month which will allow them to open the riding lessons up to more disabled members as other training coaches pass their accreditation more rapidly.

OzCare

A grant of $2,112.00 was used to purchase items including a printer, clothes dryer, sewing machine and lockable bedside cupboards to be used by clients participating in the Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment Service. The program provides care for clients who want to break the cycle of addiction and take control of their lives. The items purchased with the grant enhance the residents’ stay in the accommodation and also provide the opportunity to develop additional skills and interests.

Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling

A grant of $2,000.00 was used in conjunction with other funding to purchase and install outdoor play equipment at the women’s refuge in Cannonvale. There are many children residing at the refuge and presently there is little play equipment for them. This playground will create a natural environment for the women and children who have been traumatised by domestic violence to develop social and interaction skills in a contained and safe environment.

Back to School 2011

The Back to School Program is an initiative of The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), the Sidney Myer Fund, and supported by The Sidney Myer Fund, VISY, The Aussie Farmers Foundation, The Julian Flett Foundation, The Edward Wilson Trust, The Wyatt Benevolent Institution and Target.

It was the fourth consecutive year that The Mackay Foundation has participated in the Back to School Program and this year distributed $22,500 worth of Target vouchers to 15 local schools through the 2011 Program. In addition to the $12,500 funding provided by the FRRR, this year we also received $10,000 from The Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation. This generous donation meant that The Mackay Foundation could reach more schools than ever before, including Sarina, Proserpine and Clermont and, importantly, helping more families with the expense of preparing their children to return to school. These vouchers enable families to purchase essential ‘back to school’ items such as school clothing, school bags and stationery.