Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and trainer Scott Wallace (left) ringside. Photos: Supplied.
Not-for profit groups from Weipa south to Port Douglas have been given a much-needed boost thanks to the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Cook MP David Kempton has announced Cape York Boxing Weipa and Weipa Potters Club as recipients, as well as Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club and Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association.
The fund is Queensland’s largest one-off grants program and about $60 million is given to not-for-profit community groups annually.
Mr Kempton said: “The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is supporting Cape York Boxing Weipa and Weipa Potters Cub, helping organisations purchase equipment and young boxers travel to competitions they couldn’t otherwise afford.”
Cape York Boxing Weipa’s Jack Barton competing in Cairns.
“For over 30 years, grants have supported diverse initiatives that build community pride, from volunteer‑led services and sporting groups to programs for young people, seniors, and people of all abilities,” he said.
Cape York Boxing Weipa founder and trainer Scott Wallace said the club’s $35,000 grant as part of round 125 of the fund would help him buy a vehicle to drive competitors hundreds of kilometres for competitions.
“Over the past couple of years, some kids and their families in our communities have struggled financially, which has meant some young people missing out on tournaments in Townsville, Mareeba, Cairns and Tully,” he said.
“Instead of paying about $700 per person for return flights from Weipa to Cairns and constantly trying to raise funds, we decided a vehicle was the best long‑term solution and that’s why we applied for the grant.”
Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club plans to use its $34,555 grant to install a new solar system, with one building already fitted with panels.
“I started volunteering here when my son was just eight years old and now he is a doctor on the Gold Coast,” club secretary Ingrid van Opzeeland said.
Cook MP David Kempton and Port Douglas Life Saving Club secretary Ingrid van Opzeeland.
“He is still involved in Surf Life Saving down there and I’m still here working alongside the rest of the team.”
Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association received $21,000 in funding and wants to build toilets on-site.
President Bob Err and vice-president Shane North said the family-oriented club welcomed the funding.
Douglas Shire Motor Sports Association president Bob Err with Cook MP David Kempton and club vice-president Shane North.
“I can see the club growing with a toilet on-site,” Mr Err said.
“At the moment, the ladies and kids have to walk all the way to the Pony Club and in Far North Queensland you get snakes, wild horses and pigs in the grass.”
Mr North added: “It’s much more family-friendly to have the facility on-site.”
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund uses revenue from state gambling taxes to fund projects, equipment upgrades and essential services for not-for-profits.
For more information about the remaining funding rounds for 2026 and how to apply, visit the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website.
