Members of Wide Bay Gymnastics Club are doing cartwheels over the renovations to its change room facilities.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Wide Bay Gymnastics Club had been awarded $11,750 to upgrade its changing rooms under the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

“This will make the facilities for Wide Bay Gymnastics Club’s 300 members much more usable,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been a boost for community groups and organisations like Wide Bay Gymnastics Club that would otherwise struggle to generate the funding for this type of work to be done.”

Wide Bay Gymnastics Club Vice-President Linda Ryan said the building that houses the club was more than 20 years old and the changing rooms needed to be freshened up.

“The toilet and bathroom facilities were old and run-down and these wet areas desperately needed to be refurbished for use by members, school participants and visitors,” Ms Ryan said.

The renovation included replacing the existing toilets, hand basins, tapware, and lights and retiling the entire area.

“It’s already looking so much better and now there is some painting to be done by members to finish it off.”

Ms Ryan said once the renovation was complete, the toilets and bathroom wet areas will only need routine maintenance for the next 10 years.

She said the next step for Wide Bay Gymnastics Club was to upgrade some of the gymnastics equipment so it can host sanctioned events in 2017.

Through the Stronger Communities Programme, eligible community groups can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.

Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. Applications for Round Two have now closed. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP

An important social hub in Torbanlea will be able to carry out long-awaited upgrades with the help of a Stronger Communities Programme grant from the Federal Government.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Burgowan Bowls Club which has been awarded $14,414 to upgrade its kitchen facilities.

“This will make the kitchen facilities much more usable for the club members as well as visiting players and community members,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Stronger Communities Programme has been a boost for community groups and organisations like Burgowan Bowls Club that would otherwise struggle to generate the funding for this type of work to be done.”

The upgrade will replace existing bench tops and cupboard doors with stainless steel – to comply with food preparation regulatory requirements – as well as new floor coverings and external window shutters to reduce heat in the kitchen.

Burgowan Bowls Club Secretary Roger Goodwin said the volunteer-run bowls club has been a part of the Torbanlea community since 1924. He added that “without the assistance of programs such as the Stronger Communities Grants it would be very difficult to fund these improvements.”

“As a rural club we provide one of the few avenues for community members to have a social outlet which provides both a way to interact with other community members and physical exercise, it also helps to improve the social cohesion in our community,” Mr Goodwin said.

“These improvements will not only bring our kitchen up to the required standards but improve the safety and comfort for our volunteers when engaged in food preparation for both our members and visiting bowlers and community guests.

Mr Goodwin said these facilities are used on club fundraising days, as well as for bowls day functions.

“These are very important as we don’t have any poker machines and solely rely on our volunteer staff and fundraising for our existence.”

Through the Stronger Communities Programme, eligible community groups can apply for grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.

Each Federal Electorate is allocated $150,000 a year over two years. Applications for Round Two have now closed. For more information go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP

Wide Bay AFL will be kicking goals with a funding commitment announced today by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt said a re-elected Coalition Government will commit $150,000 to lighting for Keith Dunn Oval at Urangan.

“Lighting will increase opportunities for night games and will also improve conditions for players to train under,” he said.

“Sport is not only essential to the health and fitness of our young people; it helps build self-confidence and teaches them the importance of team work.

“That’s why we’re helping to make it easier for young people to participate in sport,” Mr Pitt said.

Bay Power president Cliff McCutcheon said the funding commitment was great for the club.

“We’ve been chasing lights for 12 years, so this will be a big shot in the arm and will attract new members,” he said.

“Lighting will provide better access for Friday night games for both juniors and seniors and it will be good for the league to be able to play night games.”

Bay Power has eight teams – spanning from Under 9s, through to seniors and a women’s team.

Mr McCutcheon said there would be a big improvement in attendance for training.

“We’ve not had any type of lighting for the members to train under and in winter it’s dark by 5pm,” he said.

Mr McCutcheon said having lights at the ground would also attract sponsorship and give sponsors better value for money.

Mr Pitt said by providing upgrades to sporting facilities the Coalition Government is improving lifestyles and building stronger communities.

A re-elected Coalition Government will invest $20 million in the Wide Bay Burnett region to diversify the local economy, create local jobs and grow skills in the local workforce.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and LNP Candidate for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien made the announcement today.

Mr Pitt said the Wide Bay Burnett Jobs Package (WBBJP) will bring forward local business investment and expansion, creating local jobs in the Hinkler electorate.

“This new jobs package will give local businesses the confidence to invest and grow. As I’ve said all along, it’s not Government which creates jobs, its businesses that create jobs.

“This package will attract matching funding from participating businesses resulting in a total package of $40 million for the region, which is the economic boost it needs.

“These grants will assist existing local businesses to grow and also offer incentives for metropolitan based companies to expand their businesses into the Wide Bay Burnett region – creating new sustainable jobs,” Mr Pitt said.

In the Hinkler electorate, businesses located in Bundaberg, Childers, Hervey Bay and surrounding areas will be eligible to apply for funding.

In the Wide Bay electorate, businesses located in Gympie, the Mary Valley, Maryborough, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Cove, Kilkivan, Goomeri and Murgon, and other parts of the South Burnett, Fraser and Cooloola Coasts will be eligible.

Mr Pitt said local communities will be involved by assessing their region’s economic opportunities and develop tailored, forward looking local investment plans.

“This will create a community-driven, government investment partnership between the Coalition Government, business and local communities.

“Local knowledge will be a vital component of the success of the jobs package,” he said.

The jobs package will:

• Provide business innovation grants on a competitive basis to help businesses invest in new technology, diversify operations, create new export opportunities and deliver new sustainable jobs;

• Upgrade existing local infrastructure or investing in new infrastructure to boost productivity and generate more local investment;

• Deliver targeted skills and training programs to address regional skills shortages and supporting workers impacted by structural change to retrain and upskill.

Mr Pitt said only the Coalition Government has a plan to continue to drive the Hinkler electorate forward.

Minister for Regional Development and Nationals Deputy Leader Fiona Nash said the WBBJP will create community-driven government investment – a genuine partnership between the Coalition Government and local communities.

“The Coalition understands locals know their regions best, which is why grass-roots local knowledge is a vital part of the Coalition’s WBBJP. We don’t impose priorities for the region upon them from Canberra,” Minister Nash said.

 “As Deputy Nationals Leader and Minister for Regional Development, I aim to help build the kinds of communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to.

“We don’t want the talents of our young people to leave for the city – they need good job prospects right here in Hinkler.

“Only the Coalition has a locally-led plan for the Hinkler electorate to create local jobs and local growth.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has congratulated Bundaberg organisations which were successful under the Volunteer Grants program.

“I’m pleased that 47 local organisations in Hinkler have been successful under Volunteer Grants and will share in $177,480 from the Coalition Government that will be used to deliver services and strengthen the local community,” he said.

Mr Pitt held a morning tea at the QCWA Hall in Bundaberg to present the groups with certificates.

“Volunteers play a critical role in helping shape Australia and building stronger and more resilient communities.

“Their generosity permeates almost every aspect of Australian society, whether it be helping out local sporting clubs or land care groups, assisting our most disadvantaged, or helping recover from natural disasters.”

The grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are designed to help not‑for‑profit community organisations support their volunteers and deliver services through the purchase of small equipment items – such as computers – reimbursement for volunteers’ fuel and transport costs or to offset the costs of training and background screening checks.

The Volunteers Grants Program is a $20 million Coalition Government initiative designed to recognise the valuable work undertaken by volunteers in local communities across Australia.  

Further information on the Volunteers Grants Program head to: https://www.dss.gov.au/grants.  

Successful organisations in the BUNDABERG region:

Across the Waves Bocce Club                                                                                             $4,379

Across the Waves Rugby League Football Club Inc                                                            $2,818

Across the Waves Softball Club (Bundaberg) Inc                                                                 $2,800

Australian Air League – Bundaberg Squadron                                                                      $4,830

Bargara District Branch Little Athletics Centre Inc                                                               $5,000

Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc                                                                 $3,697

Bundaberg Aboriginal Corporation for Women                                                                   $3,370

Bundaberg Basketball Inc.                                                                                                    $4,941

Bundaberg Cricket Association Incorporation                                                                      $4,500

Bundaberg District Toy Library for Children with Special Needs Incorporated                     $5,000

Bundaberg Lions Club Inc                                                                                                   $5,000

Bundaberg Pain Support Group                                                                                         $3,925

Bundaberg Past Brothers Rugby League Football Assc Inc.                                            $4,700

Bundaberg Railway Historical Society Inc.                                                                         $1,238

Bundaberg Western Suburbs Netball Club Inc                                                                  $1,400

BUSHkids Bundaberg Centre                                                                                            $2,160

Coral Coast Community Care Inc                                                                                        $2,100

Coral Coast Community Care Inc                                                                                       $2,000

Global Care – Australia. the overarching body for Global Care Bundaberg                         $4,857

Guides Queensland – Elouera Campsite Committee                                                         $4,000

Guides Queensland – Hinkler District                                                                                $3,000

Isis District Historical Society Inc.                                                                                     $3,115

Northern Districts Referees Association Inc.                                                                    $4,200

OL MERI WANTOK – BUNDABERG INC                                                                         $4,170

Oldies Angels Inc.                                                                                                             $4,495

Special Olympics Bundaberg                                                                                           $2,798

St John Ambulance Australia (Qld) – Bundaberg Division                                                 $3,556

Teen Angels                                                                                                                      $4,653

Wide Bay Capricorn Branch Inc                                                                                         $4,143

Wide Bay Cricket Inc                                                                                                          $3,000

YMCA Junior Cricket                                                                                                          $4,600

Zonta Cub of Bundaberg Inc                                                                                              $3,559  

A re-elected Coalition Government will deliver $250,000 for the construction of a bike path in Burrum Heads.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt made the announcement in Burrum Heads today and said the bike path was high on the wishlist for the local community.

“The path will be constructed for use by pedestrians, cyclists, parents with prams and will be accessible all year round,” he said.

As a community infrastructure project it would also have positive flow-on effects to provide Burrum Heads families and individuals with more facilities to get active.

“Regular exercise not only can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and obesity, it can also help manage stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, strengthen self-esteem, enhance mood and boost mental alertness.”

Mr Pitt said by providing upgrades to community infrastructure the Coalition Government was improving lifestyles and building stronger communities.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Division 5 Councillor Rolf Light welcomed today’s funding commitment.

“The bike path was a project previously looked at by the council, but it wasn’t budgeted for,” he said.

“There has been a long-standing desire for a footpath/bike path to extend from the shops through to the bowls club and it will provide a segue to the existing footpaths in the area.

“To see it come to fruition will be great asset for this community,” he said.

The project will be supported under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Programme, which supports local councils, community groups, environment groups and others to undertake revitalisation, maintenance, management and improvement works at local parks, nature reserves, rivers, coastal areas and community facilities, and build environmental awareness.

People with a disability or mental illness will be big winners from a re-elected Coalition Government which will invest $900,000 for the construction of a commercial laundry to create real jobs and support a host of local businesses.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt made the announcement today and said the IMPACT Community Services project would boost jobs in Bundaberg as well as provide new services to avoid laundry having to be sent out of town.

“This is another example of how the Coalition Government is creating local jobs and a stronger regional economy right here in Hinkler,” he said.

“This project has the potential to create approximately 25 full time positions over the next five years, as well as offer work experience for young job seekers.”

 Mr Pitt said Impact Community Services would manage the project which would see a state of the art, purpose built commercial facility constructed.

 Over the last 38 years Impact has successfully developed, managed and implemented a significant number of community projects.

 Impact CEO Tanya O’Shea said by providing jobs to local people with a disability or mental illness, we are increasing their capacity to be further involved and engaged in the community, especially through economic independence.

 “This project will connect new employees with the appropriate services to assist them adjust to working life and to develop the skills to maintain and develop employment pathways, increasing community and economic participation,” she said.

 Mrs O’Shea said New Image Laundry (NIL), which was purchased by Impact in 2013 to provide sustainable employment for disadvantaged people, had outgrown its current premises.

 “NIL creates a supportive environment for workers to increase the likelihood they remain employed or transition into other employment,” she said.

 A new commercial laundry would mean NIL could increase its client base and provide a service to local businesses.

 “A recent search of accommodation, cafes and restaurants in Bundaberg identified 165 local businesses in these industries as possible new clients,” Mrs O’Shea said.

 “Additionally, NIL will be able to approach local businesses that we couldn’t previously provide services to, due to machinery and space restrictions.”

 The new laundry will also be able to offer a range of work experience options to local schools and help young people to explore opportunities in management, chemical usage, hygiene and cleaning processes and logistics.

Bundaberg Netball is hoping a funding commitment to add extra courts and shaded grandstands will mean it can attract a state carnival to the region.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt announced today that a re-elected Coalition Government would invest $500,000 for Bundaberg Super Park to add to its facilities.

“This funding will allow the association to add another four courts, shaded grandstands, plus shade structures around the BBQ area to provide cover in bad weather,” Mr Pitt said.

“We all know that the former netball courts at Daph Geddes Park were flooded not once, but twice and the courts were relocated to the Bundaberg Super Park.

“By investing in sporting infrastructure the Coalition Government is growing more vibrant communities and delivering jobs and growth.”

Bundaberg Netball president Karen Holloway said the association could now “finalise everything” at the Bundaberg Super Park.

“This is the icing on the cake and will allow us to finish a project we started in 2013,” she said.

“We’ve not had any shade for when it’s sunny or shelter when it’s raining, so this funding will allow us to do all of those things.

“We’ve been in talks with Netball Queensland just recently and if we had the extra courts we could host the State Carnival.

The last time Bundaberg hosted the State Carnival was in 2010. The Bundaberg Super Park has 12 courts, with work to start on another four soon.

Ms Holloway said the State Carnival could attract around 500 teams with 10 players each and their families.

“It could potentially bring up to 10,000 people into town – they’ll all need somewhere to stay, eat and shop.”

Bundaberg and Wide Bay teams have had to travel to compete at the State Carnivals, which could cost as much as $1500 per player, she said.

“To hold the carnival here would be great for the players and other teams in the Wide Bay.”

Mr Pitt said if Bundaberg Netball was successful in hosting a state carnival here, the players would need accommodation, entertainment, and would bring a boost to the local economy.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has congratulated Hervey Bay organisations which were successful under the Volunteer Grants program.

“I’m pleased that 47 local organisations in Hinkler have been successful under Volunteer Grants and will share in $177,480 from the Coalition Government that will be used to deliver services and strengthen the local community,” he said.

Mr Pitt held a morning tea at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre to present the groups with certificates.

“Volunteers play a critical role in helping shape Australia and building stronger and more resilient communities.

“Their generosity permeates almost every aspect of Australian society, whether it be helping out local sporting clubs or land care groups, assisting our most disadvantaged, or helping recover from natural disasters.”

The grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are designed to help not‑for‑profit community organisations support their volunteers and deliver services through the purchase of small equipment items – such as computers – reimbursement for volunteers’ fuel and transport costs or to offset the costs of training and background screening checks.

The Volunteers Grants Program is a $20 million Coalition Government initiative designed to recognise the valuable work undertaken by volunteers in local communities across Australia.  

Further information on the Volunteers Grants Program head to: https://www.dss.gov.au/grants.  

Successful organisations in the HERVEY BAY region:      

Bay Bullets Netball Club Inc.                                                                            $4,428

Community and Neighbourhood Support Service Inc.                                     $5,000

Condy Park Preschool & Kindergarten Assoc. Inc.                                          $2,617

District 201Q4 of the International Association of Lions Club Inc.                    $1,540

Fraser Coast Swimming Club Inc                                                                     $4,995

Guides Queensland. Burrum Heads District                                                      $2,704

Hervey Bay Historical Society Museum Association Inc.                                  $4,826

Hervey Bay Hockey Association Inc.                                                                 $4,040

Hervey Bay Rural Fire Brigades Group                                                              $4,997

Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving Club Inc.                                                                $3,262

Riding for the Disabled Association Hervey Bay Inc.                                          $3,200

SVDP – Wide Bay/Burnett Regional Council                                                       $4,867

The Purple Bucket Foundation Inc                                                                      $5,000

Volunteer Marine Rescue Hervey Bay Inc                                                           $3,000

WE CARE 2 INC.                                                                                                 $5,000

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today officially opened new facilities at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Childers.

Staff at St Joseph’s now have full use of new administration facilities that will help them with their day-to-day work.

Mr Pitt said the Australian Government provided more than $325,000 for the new facilities.

“I was pleased to visit St Joseph’s Primary again and to see the new facilities firsthand,” Mr Pitt said.

“Students and the whole school community will benefit from using these new facilities.

“These new facilities come in addition to the record levels of funding the Turnbull Government is delivering that will continue to grow into the future.

“Total Commonwealth funding to all schools across Queensland will increase by $908 million, a 27.5 per cent increase from 2015–16 to 2019–20.

“The Coalition is the only party with a fully funded and affordable plan that ensures money is directed where it’s most needed and focuses on proven measures that will improve outcomes in literacy, numeracy, STEM subjects and prepare students for the jobs of the future.

“While buildings alone do not make a great school, I hope students and staff enjoy these new facilities and are inspired by them.

“The Coalition is committed to improving the quality of our schools and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.”