MEDIA RELEASE 2 October 2025
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, has announced more than $178,000 in Federal funding to support local volunteers and community organisations across the Sunshine Coast through the Stronger Communities Program and the 2024/25 Volunteer Grants Program.
“In recent weeks I’ve had the privilege of visiting local community groups and volunteers right across Fisher who have been successful in receiving support through these two important federal funding streams, the Stronger Communities Program and the Volunteer Grants Program,” Mr Wallace said.
“These grants recognise the hard work and dedication of our community organisations, and I’ve seen first-hand how this funding will help them continue to grow, support others and strengthen our region.”
Local Success Stories include:
Stronger Communities Program (Round 9) – $112,500
- Maleny State High School P&C – three 3300-gallon water tanks ($10,000)
- Blackall Range Woodcrafters Guild Inc. – Replace solar inverter and install solar battery ($15,000)
- Sunshine Valley Men’s Shed – Zero-turn mower ($10,000)
- Beerwah & Districts Golf Club – Solar upgrade to clubhouse ($15,000)
- Suncoast Hinterland Softball Association – Solar panels on clubhouse ($10,000)
- Disabled Surfers Association – Trailer to transport beach wheelchairs safely ($10,000)
- Endeavour Foundation – Replace seized windows at Dicky Beach disability accommodation ($9,000)
- Dicky Beach Surf Club – Portable lift and adaptive surfboards for disability access ($3,500)
- Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club – Replace side-by-side vehicle for rapid emergency response ($15,000)
- Restoring Hope Parkinson’s Therapy – Bathroom upgrades and accessibility works ($15,000)
Volunteer Grants Program 2024/25 – $66,225
- Young Veterans Sunshine Coast – Mobile phones, comms equipment and insurance ($5,000)
- Roofs to Recovery Inc. – Laptop and multifunction printer ($1,200)
- Glasshouse Country Senior Citizens Club – Public liability insurance and hall hire ($1,700)
- Sienna FC Inc. – iPad, EFTPOS system, internet plans and insurance ($2,400)
- Glass House District Little Athletics Centre – Security cameras after multiple break-ins ($2,000)
- Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball – Insurance premium ($2,500)
- Friends of Pattemore House – Volunteer training for website and software use ($1,848)
- Palmwoods Bowls Club – New sound system and microphones ($2,034)
- Landsborough Cricket Club – Whitegoods, insurance, first aid and security equipment ($3,000)
- Palmwoods Devil’s Rugby League Club – Insurance, laptop, projector, internet costs ($2,500)
- 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. – Website subscription and Shelter Manager platform ($1,080)
- Lookout07 – Volunteer screening, first aid courses, equipment and iPad ($5,000)
- Veterans Mixed Martial Arts Ltd – Gym management software and iPad ($4,217)
- Balin Stewart Foundation – Laptop, software, internet and insurance ($2,300)
Mr Wallace said the funding, though modest, will have a real impact. “Many of our community groups couldn’t operate without a helping hand. Since the Albanese Government was elected in 2022, funding has dried up and groups are struggling. I’m pleased to have secured this support, which is helping them keep their doors open.”
Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club was among the recipients, with funding for new Nipper boards and accessibility equipment. President Peter Aitken said, “These grants are vital for our surf club. The funding will expand our Pippies program with surfboards for people with disabilities and a lift to transfer into floating wheelchairs. It makes our club more inclusive and supported.”
Friends of Pattemore House also received funding for digital training. President Penny Edwards added, “This grant will let us improve how we use our website, promote what we do and share the history of Pattemore House more effectively. It will raise our profile and help us better serve the community.”
Mr Wallace concluded by thanking local volunteers for their service. “Our community relies on volunteers, from surf lifesavers to historical groups, rural fire brigades and senior citizens’ clubs. These grants help them keep doing what they do best: serving the community.”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West
M | 0402 556 646
E | Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
