More than $160,000 has been shared by local community groups in the latest round of Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Ninderry MP Dan Purdie congratulated the deserving groups, a mixture of sports and community clubs who will use the funding to improve their facilities for the benefit of their members.

“Even though just about all activities have been placed on hold for now, its encouraging to see this funding being allocated to local groups who will use it to improve their services or facilities for the benefit of our community,” Mr Purdie said.

The successful groups include:

Bli Bli United Football Club Inc – $35,000 to purchase a tractor

Clayden Potters – $27,500 to upgrade their facility, purchase equipment and install solar

Maroochy Mens Shed Inc – 31,620 to install a boundary retaining wall and rain tanks

Peregian Beach College Early Learning Centre – $35,000 to construct a fence and landscape play area

The Womens Shed Coolum – $34,730 to upgrade facility

Mr Purdie said he expected there to be a flurry of activity once we beat COVID-19 and restrictions are removed, with people keen to return to their normal recreational and sporting pastimes.

In the meantime, he said groups can apply to extend the acquittal date for their successful grants due to the impacts of the virus.

“This gives these groups peace of mind that despite the challenging circumstances we are facing, there is additional flexibility for clubs around completion dates,” Mr Purdie said.

The next round of the Fund (Round 105) is now open, with applications closing at the end of this month (30 April). For more information visit www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants.