Council grants support community news and local league club

Date published: 23 March 2023

Council agreed on supporting grants for two local community newsletters and new toilet facilities for Souths Rugby League Club at today’s Ordinary Council meeting.

An application from the Rollingstone & District Community Association Inc to print their Rollingstone Rag newsletter was awarded $2,358 to cover the costs of printing paper.

The Rollingstone Rag has been compiled, printed, folded and distributed locally by volunteers for over 20 years, with around 800 copies of the 36-page newsletter distributed 10 months of the year.

Council also supported The Totally and Permanently Disabled Ex-Servicepersons Association (Townsville) Inc with costs associated for their monthly magazine, The Bugle.

A registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that provides welfare and comradeship, the Association keeps its members informed via The Bugle and were awarded $13,224.15 to cover printing and delivery costs.

Business and Services Finance Committee Chairperson Margie Ryder said both applications had proven they were of benefit to their wider communities.

“Both the Rollingstone Rag and The Bugle do a fantastic job engaging their respective communities and keeping them informed,” Cr Ryder said.

“These organisations also have plenty of hardworking volunteers to get their newsletters out to the people that need it.

Souths Rugby League Club, based in Victoria Park, South Townsville, was also awarded a grant of $10,326.95 to add temporary toilet facilities to their home ground.

Souths playing numbers have grown substantially over the past two years and 2023 will see the rebirth of senior clubs competing in the local competition.

“The club requires toilet facilities (on hire for duration of season) to cater for the many home games and training sessions that they will host in 2023,” Cr Ryder said.

“Their application also provided clear information showing community engagement had occurred, with many stakeholders expressing support for this installation.

“The grants reinforce Council’s goal of making Townsville a city that embraces and participates in the arts, sports, events and recreational activities.”

The successful applications were assessed in accordance with the Townsville City Grants and Partnerships Policy and were checked against the program guidelines and eligibility requirements.

For more information on Council’s Grants and Partnerships programs or to apply, visit the Grants and Partnerships page.