General News
4 February, 2026
Cash splash to help clubs
SEVEN Far Northern groups have received the maximum $100,000 in the $31 million-plus Queensland Government’s pre-Christmas super round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program, with organisations able to apply for funding to support a range of projects, including upgrading and renovating community facilities, buying equipment and delivering training, and holding community events.
As part of round 124, more than 500 community groups have received Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants, with more than 100 of those organisations receiving the maximum $100,000 of funding.
The super round was focused on disaster recovery and preparedness, with funding to help restore community infrastructure, strengthen local resilience, and support organisations in areas impacted by declared severe weather and other events.
More than $2m was handed out in the Far North.
Attorney-General and Justice and Integrity Minister Deb Frecklington said she was pleased to see the super round supporting communities across Queensland, particularly those recovering from natural disasters.
“The Gambling Community Benefit Fund Super Round is a wonderful opportunity to support organisations across the State as they work to help their own local communities from the Far North, down to the Gold Coast and out west.
“I want to congratulate each of the successful recipients in round 124. I hope the grants bring a sense of renewal as we approach the New Year and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the funds will make.”
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is Queensland’s largest one-off funding program and distributes approximately $60 million each year to strengthen communities and respond to local needs.
To view the full list of successful round 124 recipients, or find out more about Gambling Community Benefit Fund rounds, visit: www.bit.ly/45Zy4nA
The next Gambling Community Benefit Fund (round 126) will offer grants of up to $35,000 and is set to open mid-January and close 28 February 2026.
Successful recipients included:
Babinda Bowls Club - new lighting ($23,500)
Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club – new equipment ($30,000)
Innisfail Combined Sporting Association - upgraded field lights ($17,000)
Innisfail State College Parents and Citizens Association - upgraded amenities ($100,000)
Innisfail State School Parents and Citizens Association - projector and fans ($81,950)
Innisfail Youth and Family Care - generator ($75,000)
Kurrimine Beach Progress Recreation and Sporting Association - upgrade of facilities ($95,000)
Mourilyan District Kindergarten Association - bathroom refurbishment ($45,798.72)
Tully and District Men's Shed – New patio and fans ($95,000)
Tully Bowls Club – upgrade of facilities ($100,000)
Tully Motorcycle Club – new tractor ($86,416).
Kuranda District State College Parents and Citizens Association – new equipment ($57,745.52)
Kuranda Information and Support Centre Association – new equipment ($12,791.18)
Mookai Rosie Bi Bayan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation – new solar panels ($97,420)
Mossman Golf Club - RV park irrigation system upgrade ($60,466.28)
Mossman Horse Riding Club – facility upgrades ($95,717.60)
Mossman Port Douglas Senior Rugby League Club – new cabinets ($20,000)
Mossman State High School Parents and Citizens Association - facility upgrades ($74,935.40)
COUCH Cairns – facility upgrades, new equipment and marketing ($99,968)
Cairns Eagles Australian Football Club – shed upgrade and new mower ($97,000)
Cairns Hockey Association – new fence ($100,000)
Cairns Saints Australian Football Club - facility upgrades ($100,000)
Cairns String Orchestra – new equipment ($746.20)
Douglas Sailing Club - facility upgrades ($65,775)
Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club - facility upgrades ($36,454.55)
Far North Queensland Multiple Birth Association – new equipment, marketing and training ($10,050)
Gordonvale State School Parents and Citizens Association – new playground equipment ($100,000)
Machans Beach State School Parents and Citizens Association – new shade sail ($9384)
Marlin Coast Rangers Football Club – new grandstand ($59,396.70)
Port Douglas Football Club – new scoreboard ($72,776)
Redlynch Junior Rugby League Football Club – new grandstands and fence ($100,000)
Returned and Services League of Australia Edmonton sub-branch – new shed ($100,000)
