November 23, 2021
Two South Burnett organisations have been big winners in the latest round of “Tackling Tough Times Together” funding.
Kingaroy State School P&C Association has received $60,000 to install inclusive new play and learning facilities at the school, while Murgon’s Creative Country Association Inc has received $60,000 to fit out the town’s new Fossil Museum and Cultural Centre.
The two grants are among 38 announced across Australia by the Foundation For Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) on Tuesday to help local communities tackle the ongoing impacts of drought.
The program is possible thanks to the support of donors, including the Federal Government, which committed $15 million to be distributed from 2019-2021.
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said these latest grants have used the last of the Federal funding.
“FRRR was grateful to have the support of the government alongside 15 other donors, as that enabled this program to expand nationally, just at a time when the drought was spreading across the entire country,” she said.
As well as the Federal Government, contributions were also made by The Pratt Foundation, Stockland CARE Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, The Snow Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, Henroth Group and private donors from across the nation.
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Kingaroy State School grant would provide a much-needed boost to the community.
“This funding will be used to install inclusive play areas, an Indigenous yarning circle and shaded picnic tables at Kingaroy State School, for use by families throughout the community,” he said.
Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien also welcomed the support for the Murgon Fossil Museum.
He said the grant for displays would bring the museum a step closer to completion.
“The Murgon Fossil Museum building is nearing practical completion,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The museum is already boosting the South Burnett economy by creating about 40 jobs in construction, and it is the start of a bright future for local tourism, jobs, and the Murgon community.”
The Country Creative Association received $1,596,514 through Round 4 of the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for the building, which will include an art gallery, fossil museum, art workshop, gift shop and central “prehistoric” garden.
