June 23, 2022
Representatives from 20 community groups went home smiling after the successful applicants for Heritage Nanango’s annual community grants program were announced on Wednesday night.
The annual Heritage Nanango Community Funding (HNCF) program distributes half Heritage Community Branch Nanango’s annual profits back into the Nanango community.
It has distributed more than $4.5 million in support since the branch opened 21 years ago.
This year’s grants recipients were publicly revealed during a function at the Old Masonic Lodge building.
About 100 people gathered to enjoy drinks and canapes before the official announcement.
HNCF secretary Jane Hodgkinson announced this year’s grant recipients:
- Nanango Theatre Company
- Nanango State High School (Driver Education Program)
- South Burnett Equestrian Group
- Nanango Show Society
- Nanango and District Cricket Club
- Nanango Tourism and Development Association
- Nanango Swimming Club
- Nanango Sporting Association
- Nanango Soccer Club
- Nanango Rugby League Football Club
- Nanango Lions Club
- Nanango Indoor Bowls Club
- Nanango Race Club
- Nanango Community Centre
- Nanango Hack and Pony Club
- Nanango and District Darts Club
- Nanango and District Netball Association
- Nanango and District Garden Club
- Bunya Mountains Community Association
Jane told the audience that some groups had applied for grants to expand existing facilities or build new ones.
Others had asked for a grant to contribute towards a larger project they were working on under a co-funding arrangement, which allowed them to source even more funds from State or Federal Government programs using Heritage’s contribution as leverage.
Jane said HNCF was quite open to this approach, because it helped bring even more funding into the community.
Some of the grants were expected to go towards projects planned for Nanango’s 175th anniversary celebrations next year.
HNCF chair Wendy Zerbst, who spearheaded the drive to establish the Heritage branch in the early 1990s, said that after 21 years of operation she doubted there was anyone in the Nanango community who had not benefitted from Heritage’s operations in the town.
Wendy told southburnett.com.au she will soon be stepping down from her role as HNCF’s chair to go into retirement.
Her role will be taken over by Jane Hodgkinson.
