CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr PIKE (Bowman) (10:19): I rise today to celebrate all the outstanding organisations in the Redlands who have received funding through the latest round of the volunteer grants program—$66,665 has been allocated to the community groups across the Redlands through this program, supporting the volunteers who give their time, energy and skills to make my community stronger.
These grant projects will assist local volunteers in the Redlands to continue this great work. Costs are increasing across the board, and many not-for-profit organisations have told me that the cost of volunteer insurance has put pressure on their ability to continue to operate. That's why I was pleased that local community organisations receiving grant funding, primarily to assist them with the cost of insurance and premiums, include the Redlands spring festival, Karragarra Island Ratepayers & Residents Association, the Capalaba District Meals on Wheels, Coochiemudlo Island Surf Life Saving Club, Amity Point Community Club, Meals on Wheels at Cleveland, Meals on Wheels of Victoria Point and Redland Bay, and the Redland Bay Cyclones Rugby Union Club.
Updating technology used by volunteers is another way to support those who give their time. Receiving funding primarily for updating technologies such as iPads, mobile phones and computers are the Donald Simpson Community Centre, the Shoreline Association for Neighbourhood Development, Bayside Community Radio Association, STAR Community Services, Dragons Abreast Australia, Redlands Rugby Union Club—the mighty Mudcrabs—Wellington Point Cricket Club, Vinnies Cleveland, the Cage Youth Foundation, the Little Ship Club, Redland Bay Women's Shed, Macleay Island Progress Association, the Rotary Club of Cleveland, the North Stradbroke Island Rugby League & Allsports Club—the mighty Sharks—the Cancer Council Queensland Redlands Volunteer Branch, Sing Sing Sing—the dementia choir in my electorate—and Capalaba Bulldogs football club.
It's fantastic to see so many groups supported through the grants in so many other ways, including the Cleveland Scout Group—who will be receiving funding for camping equipment—RedCity Roar Basketball Association, Cycling Without Age Australia, the Capalaba Piranhas Amateur Swimming Club and Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club. Redlands Coast Museum are receiving $3,500 for a commercial passthrough dishwasher.
The Redlands Netball Association will receive $2,550 for a commercial-grade refrigerator. Tingira Boat Club will receive $3,000 for internet service fees and safety boat training courses, first aid courses and other equipment. United Community Services are receiving $2,500 for volunteer uniforms, and the St Rita conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society will be receiving grant funding for fuel cards for volunteers.
Redlands Softball Association will receive $1,500 for coaching resources and equipment. These organisations demonstrate the incredible contribution volunteers make all across the Redlands every day. I congratulate all the recipients and, most importantly, the volunteers behind these organisations.
Their work strengthens our community, supports people who need a helping hand and makes the Redlands a much better place to live.