2012 / 2013 GRANTS
Youth Information Referral Service (YIRS)
YIRS provide a service for youths at risk, including individual case management and programs supporting young people at risk of disengaging from school or who are disadvantaged. YIRS received a grant for $4160.24 to fund their dental program, which assists young people to access vital dental care and treatment. This program enables youth at risk to access treatment at an early stage and prevent any major dental problems developing.
Nanyima Aged Care
Nanyima Aged Care is a not for profit aged care facility at Mirani providing a valuable community asset to senior members in the Pioneer Valley community. It allows them to stay close to family and friends whilst receiving full time care at the facility. Nanyima Aged Care received a grant for $2250 to purchase a superior stereo system, including a transport trolley. The equipment will be housed in their Theatre Room and will enable residents to experience music for social benefit, exercise programs and music therapy programs. Studies have shown music therapy can reduce the severity of anxiety, confusion and agitation, and assist to maintain memories of happy times, increasing the feeling of joy and social connection, particularly for those with dementia.
MADEC
MADEC provides services to people with a disability and youth at risk. They provide a respite service at the John E Smith Respite Home for people with a disability under the age of 25. MADEC received a grant for $6000 to install internal blinds at the respite home. Internal blinds will enable their predominately Autistic clients access to a suitable space outside their own homes where they can control the external light to suit their individual sensory needs.
Community Accommodation and Support Agency Inc (CASA) CASA assists the community with the provision of supported crisis housing for families with dependent children in their care. CASA also provides a range of services to resolve any immediate crisis and achieve stability. CASA also supports clients to access alternative housing. CASA received a grant for $3000 to line the interior of their storage garage to prevent vermin entering and causing damage to stored furniture. CASA is now able to store donated furniture, keeping it in good condition, for clients in need.
Anglicare
Anglicare provides, without discrimination, a range of affordable and accessible counselling support services including education and housing support to families and individuals. Anglicare received a grant for $2000 to provide emergency assistance and basic care to the needy and the ‘hidden poor’ in the Mackay community. Their program helps clients manage better their basic needs of food, clothing, medications, short-term accommodation, electricity, and fuel.
Scouts Australia Queensland Branch – Mackay
Scouts Australia Queensland Branch – Mackay manages Rowallan Park, 42 hectares of natural bushland with facilities used by scouts, guides and other interested groups. Scouts Australia Queensland Branch – Mackay received a grant for $3000 to part fund building a concrete pathway to enable the Johnstone Lodge to be more accessible to disabled users of the accommodation. This improvement opens up more opportunities for a variety of organisations to make full use of the resources provided at Rowallan Park.
Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc
Mackay Surf Life Saving is a diverse organisation that primarily delivers water safety and first aid at Harbour Beach. They assist other organisations with water safety and search and rescue. They need to be able to transport their crafts in an efficient and timely manner. Mackay Surf Life Saving Club received a grant for $2700 to purchase two roadworthy trailers, enabling them to respond quickly to communities in need or a search and rescue operation away from their home base.
2013 FRRR Sidney Myer ‘Back to School’ Program
Our 2013 Back to School program was an outstanding success, delivering much needed support in the form of school supplies to families in need. With funding from the national program, Aurizon Community Fund, the Stan and Maureen Duke Foundation and Carroll’s Newsagency, we were able to distribute over 930 $50 Carrolls News vouchers to 36 schools throughout the region, including 16 schools new to the program. We also provided over 100 book packs to six emergency relief centres for distribution to clients who access them for support throughout the year. Gauging from the comments provided by the participating schools in our program evaluation, the ‘Back to School’ program is very much appreciated with noted benefits for individual students, families & teachers.