Eight Douglas Shire community organisations have been awarded funding through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Super Round which enables applicants to bid for grants of up to $100,000. The maximum which can be applied for in regular rounds is $35,000.

Recipients include the Bloomfield River District Residents Association, Daintree Primary P&C, Douglas Shire Community Services Association, the Clink Theatre, Paws and Claws, Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Port Douglas Artists and the Rainforest Conservation Foundation. 

Former Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, president of the Clink Theatre and Paws and Claws, said the funding would make a difference to both organisations.

“This funding will enable Paws and Claws to progress with stage 2 of our Animal Welfare Centre,” he said

“This will provide room for dogs with new pups, an indoor run, and an isolation space for dogs which are not yet vaccinated.”

“The funding for the Clink Theatre will see us replace the entire roof which suffered damage from Cyclone Jasper. This funding means we will have a secure roof which will last another 20-30 years.”

“The work will be scheduled so it doesn’t interfere with our theatre program,” he added.

Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, a cultural organisation which represents and advocates for Traditional Owners and custodians of the Port Douglas and Mossman areas, will use their grant funding for a 12-seater people mover.

“This will significantly enhance our ability to contribute positively to the community,” Kubirriwarra Yalanji Chairperson John Hartley said.

“Transportation has long been a major barrier within the Douglas Shire, and this new vehicle

will allow us to deliver our programs and services more effectively, all while maintaining

cultural accountability.”

“The timing of this addition is ideal, especially as we prepare for upcoming cultural programs and projects, including plans for a major cultural exhibition in 2026. This exhibition will build on the success of the Country, Story, People exhibition which was held in Port Douglas in 2023.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the grant round honoured the contribution community groups make.

“Community organisations in our towns contribute so much, and it is wonderful to be able to support them through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants,” she said.

Ms Lui said more than $2.8 million has been distributed to 40 organisations and groups in the Cook electorate.

“I know how much these funds mean to our children, our older people and our clubs and services. There were more than a few cheers and tears of happiness when the recipients of this latest Super Round received phone calls about their grant outcomes.”

Douglas Shire Grant recipients include:

• Bloomfield River District Residents Association Inc . - Upgrade kitchen and construct storage space - $99,954.14
• Daintree Primary Parents and Citizens Association - Replace playground -$100,000.00
• Douglas Shire Community Services Association Ltd - Repair and upgrade facility - $100,000.00
• Douglas Theatre Arts Group Inc. (Clink Theatre) - Repair roof - $100,000.00
• Homeless Animal Society and Boarding Kennels Inc. (Paws and Claws) -Towards stage completion of Animal Welfare Centre - $100,000.00
• Kubirriwarra Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation - Purchase bus and equipment - $92,264.52
• Port Douglas Artists Inc- Purchase portable plinths and lighting - $3,129.69
• Rainforest Conservation Foundation - Upgrade facility and install solar - $100,000.00