Cooktown District Junior Rugby League Club is among organisations receiving a funding boost from Cook Shire Council’s latest round of community and economic development grants. Photo: Sarah Martin.
Ten Cooktown organisations and businesses will be boosted by almost $40,000 from Cook Shire Council’s latest round of the Community and Economic Development Grants Program.
The program provides up to $5000 to eligible businesses and organisations that make a positive contribution to their community through the delivery of projects, activities and events.
A record 16 applications were submitted this round, indicating the need for ongoing support from Council in developing the region and sustaining the wellbeing of residents.
The Cooktown and District Junior Rugby League was awarded the full amount of $5000 for essential equipment to enhance the safety of players and community members during training and match days. The league will purchase a gazebo frame, balls, agility training equipment, new tackle training equipment and an AED defibrillator.
TT Designs will also receive $5000 to support a new immersive history experience for community members and tourists. The project seeks to transport participants back in time through Maytown’s rich history via augmented reality self-guided tours and educational content, as well as a display at the historical site that will show what the town looked like in its heyday.
The Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) was the final organisation of this round to receive the full $5000. The grant will assist in the purchase of silent disco equipment to be used for both CDCC and other not-for-profit groups holding fundraisers within the Shire. The silent disco project will not only strengthen the CDCC, but also provide economic benefits for many other organisations in Cook Shire Council.
Other grant recipients include:
- Bloomfield River District Residents Association: Awarded the full amount requested of $4856. It will purchase equipment for the annual Bloomfield River District Residents Association agriculture display, assisting in its long-term sustainability.
- Riverbend Tours: Awarded $4600 to support the business in providing tours to schools. This will enhance education programs and provide benefits to the business and Cook Shire youth.
- QCWA Cooktown: Awarded amount requested of $3803 to assist in the purchase of garden maintenance equipment to be used by volunteers as well as essential safety repairs to the CWA hall. The project encourages volunteer participation and enhances community facilities.
- Cooktown and District Cricket Association: Awarded $3180 to upgrade the Cooktown Cricket Nets to synthetic pitches rather than concrete. The upgrade will ensure cricket balls are not damaged on the concrete surface and players can practice correctly.
- Cooktown and District Historical Society: Awarded partial funding of $3000 to support the purchase of a multi-function printer/photocopier. The Council review panel have asked the society to seek competitive pricing that demonstrates value for money.
- Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association: Requested amount of $2990 awarded to send 12 or more netball players from Cooktown, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal to a netball coaching and umpiring workshop. Participants will receive an accredited coaching certificate upon completion, assisting with upskilling and the long-term sustainability of the support in Cook Shire.
- Cooktown Golf Club Inc: Awarded the requested amount of $2500 to replace ceiling fans at the club, which are heavily corroded and due for an upgrade.
