Record $75,000 Grant To Support Homeless

Australian Street Aid Project were the recipients of a record $75,000 grant at last Friday’s annual Mackay Community Foundation (MCF) grant presentation in the Jubilee Community Centre.

The sizeable grant, the largest issued to date in MCF’s twenty-year history, will assist in funding the PINK Sleepbus for Mackay.

Dianne Smith, Client Services Manager of ASAP, accepted the $75,000 certificate from MCF Board Member Ian Joblin and said the funding would provide an option for females and children to obtain a safe night’s sleep while being supported by an all-female volunteer Sleepbus team.

Safe Sleep Mackey was formed last November in response to the current housing crisis to deliver short term solutions for people without a safe place to sleep.

ASAP are committed to providing immediate relief and support to people experiencing homelessness. It was one of eight local non-profit organisations to receive grants totalling $169,000 on the day.

Transforming Lives
Mackay Community Foundation Grants Fuel Social Impact

The Mackay Community Foundation provides an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to make donations to support those in need in the region, both now and in the future.

Not for profit organisations in the region apply for grants to fund charitable projects that align with the aims of the Foundation.

Since 2003, the Foundation has provided a total of $1.6 million in grants thanks to the Mackay community’s commitment to “Give Where You Live”.

MCF Board Chair Frances Easton said that the other seven grants in this year’s round were “just as worthy”.

“Each year we are able to increase our level of grants, thanks to the generosity and vision of Mackay businesses, families and individuals,” Ms Easton said.

ASAP strives to build community and bring hope, encouragement, and purpose to the lives of those they serve whilst creating opportunities which enable pathways out of homelessness.

They aim to promote dignity and positive social interactions in an inclusive and welcoming environment which enables people to exit the cycle of homelessness with as little trauma as possible, increasing their chances of leading a fulfilling life following their homelessness experience.

KIDNEY SUPPORT NETWORK were the recipients of a $28,545 grant for its Renal Patient Transport Service.

The funding will help replace an ageing vehicle that assists to transport renal patients to and from hospital appointments for their dialysis three times per week.

Paula O’Neill, KSN Operations Manager, accepted the grant from Wayne James of Next Accounting and a founding director of the MCF.

Kidney Support Network has been providing quality support to Queenslanders who are impacted by chronic kidney disease (renal failure) since 1981.

SELECTABILITY received a $20,000 grant to support its River 2 Reef Ride for Young People.

This project is to take a group of ten disadvantaged young people and train the participants up to be successful in completing the River 2 Reef Ride during October this year.

The aim of the project is to build a sense of participation and community amongst the group and to develop teamwork and communication strategies that enforce positive outcomes.

Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted the grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group.

RONALD McDONALD House Charities North Australia were the recipients of a $14,400 grant to fund its Learning Program.

The grant will cover costs of 40 hours of tutoring for six local Mackay students.

Aim is that each student has improved numeracy and literacy skills and to make the journey back to school as smooth as possible.

These children will have missed a large amount of schooling due to cancer treatment and this tutoring will provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and self-esteem.

Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald House accepted the grant from Geoff O’Connor of SBB Partners.

CROSSROAD ARTS were the recipients of a $10,000 grant to help fund the Loose Ends Event that is part of celebrations for International Day for People with Disability.

This would include venue hire, artists, artist support and an AUSLAN interpreter. Loose Ends was initiated in 2018 to address the gap for inclusive nighttime activities in the CBD for young people with disability.

It was also designed to be a place for people to socialise, be entertained and have opportunities to meet new and different people. For many groups the Loose Ends evening is an event to work towards celebrating diversity, access and inclusion.

Lesa Walker, Company Administrator of Crossroad Arts, accepted the grant from Luke Phillips of Gardian Group.

PHOENIX PLACE was the recipient of a $9,720 grant to support its Driving Equity project.

This project will fund the modification of a vehicle and training of an existing qualified driving instructor to provide local access to specialised driving lessons for people with a disability.

Objectives and aims are to provide local opportunity for people with a disability to enhance and improve their independence, participation and employability and reduce their reliance on family carers and paid carers.

There is no service in Mackay at present and people need to travel to Townsville or Rockhampton as the closest points for driver training.

Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property.

MACKAY COMMUNITY VISITORS ASSOCIATION were the recipients of a $5,500 grant.

The MCVA provides great work in the community in supporting the elderly with their services.

In aid of assisting with these services and continuing to operate to the highest possible standards this grant will fund much needed IT equipment such as two desktop computers, a new printer and server.

MCVA promotes inclusion, participation and friendship for people who are feeling isolated in aged care facilities or in their own homes.

They aim to enhance the lives of clients who experience limited contact with family and friends, experience mental health issues, cultural barriers, mobility issues, disabilities, illness or isolation.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY were the recipients of a $5,000 grant to again support its UniCare MCF Emergency Grant scheme.

Last year the $5,000 grant supported seven students who were in need of financial support for various reasons and continued on with one graduating and the other six still enrolled and studying.

By extending this grant the Foundation can continue to assist students financially who come into an emergency crisis so as to assist them with their studies.

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Mackay Community Foundation board chair Frances Easton with the 2023 grant recipients:  CQUniversity Unicare Emergency, Mackay Community Visitors Association, Phoenix Place Inc., Crossroad Arts, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, Selectability, Kidney Support Network and Australian Street Aid Project

ASAP Caption: Diane Smith and Ash Hilder from the Australian Street Aid Project receiving a $75,000 grant from Ian Joblin, board member for the Mackay Community Foundation

Kidney support network Caption: > Mackay Community Foundation co-founder Wayne James of Next Accounting presenting a 2023 grant to Kidney Support Network CEO Paula O’Neill

Selectability Caption: Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted a $20,000 grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group, presented by Mayor Greg Williamson

Ronald McDonald House Caption: Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald Charities North Australia receiving a 2023 grant from individually named fund donor Geoff O'Connor, also representing named fund donor SBB Partners

Crossroad Arts Caption: Lesa Walker and Georgia Knoll from Crossroad Arts accepting a grant from named donor Gardian, represented by Luke Phillips

Phoenix Place Caption: Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property

MCVA Caption: MCVA were the recipients of a $5,500 grant

CQU Caption: Leanne Williams, CQU Campus Co-ordinator, accepted the grant from Whitsunday Anglican School students Sabrin Sekandar and Imogen

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