Community Grants Program Recipients

Our Community Grants Program supports initiatives that deliver benefits for local communities around the proposed Borumba Project.

2025

Applicant	Summary
Numabulla Men’s Shed Inc.	Numabulla Men’s Shed is one of the only remaining community resources in the Brooloo area, providing vital social and practical support to local men who may be isolated or in need. The group also contributes widely to the community by repairing items for local organisations, assisting disadvantaged residents and offering IT training. Installing solar panels will reduce operating costs and strengthen the Shed’s financial sustainability, allowing members to focus on social connection and community projects while reducing energy use.
Friends of Amamoor Inc	Amamoor Community Hall holds deep historical significance for the Amamoor, Mary Valley and Gympie communities. Following community consultation, a plan was developed to revitalise the hall as a creative hub for local artists, musicians and theatre groups. The installation of stage curtains will enhance the sound quality and presentation of the space, making it more versatile and attractive for performances, events, and community use.
Jimna Sporting Club	The Imbil Community & Sports Club has equipped its venue with a large TV, soundbar, camera, and printer to support community workshops, training, and virtual meetings. This digital connectivity uJimna Sporting Club is replacing deteriorated stumps under its clubhouse to maintain the building’s safety and extend its lifespan. The venue is an important meeting place for the community and regularly hosts sporting events, family days and music gatherings. These works will ensure the facility remains stable, safe and accessible for all users, supporting continued participation in local activities and events.
Mary Valley Artslink Inc	Mary Valley Artslink is continuing construction of the new Mary Valley Arts and Cultural Hub in Imbil, focusing on completing the internal lining of the building. The hub will be home to the Arts on Yabba Fine Art Gallery and provide a dedicated space for exhibitions, workshops, and creative programs. Once completed, it will play a central role in supporting community connection through thearts andd strengthening the region’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.
Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association Inc.	The Lake Borumba Fish Stock Association aims to ensure recreational fishing can continue at Lake Borumba while simultaneously helping threatened freshwater species to recover. Lake Borumba is a key tourism asset for the Gympie region, and the purchasing of Native Fish Fingerlings will help to safeguard the Lake’s unique ecosystem and significantly boost the local economy by attracting both recreational and competition anglers.
Kilcoy Community Special Events Association	The annual Kilcoy Christmas Carnival is hosting its free and inclusive annual event that attracts and brings together more than 1,000 attendees from across the region. The event includes a carol concert with participating students from local schools, market stalls run by local community groups including school P&Cs and the Lions Club, rides, and other entertainment. The event provides an opportunity to connect with others and create a sense of belonging and togetherness for the community.
Jimna Community Development Association	Jimna Public Hall is the main community hub for its small community, used for events, educational programs, playgroups and more. Currently the hall has limited ventilation and insultation to provide protection from the heat. The addition of fans will enhance the usability of the hall and create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
Mount Kilcoy Progress Association Inc	The Mount Kilcoy Hall is a key asset for the community used by local groups for community activities and programs and acts as a facility for emergency services during natural disasters and community crises. The Hall is located at the bottom of a hall, and its driveway is frequently damaged by water runoff during wet weather. Funds will go towards drainage improvements for the Hall as part of a wider initiative to deliver essential upgrades and ensure safe and all-weather access.
Somerset Business Chamber Inc	The Somerset Business Chamber will purchase and fit out an events trailer that will serve as a mobile event and activation unit to support business and community engagement in the region. The trailer will include power generation, shade, refrigeration, and digital display capabilities, allowing the Chamber to host workshops, expos, and networking sessions in towns without permanent infrastructure. This facility will also be available for community use to help build stronger regional connections and provide a new source of income to support the Chamber’s ongoing operations.
Mary Valley Rail Trail Association Inc	The Mary Valley Rail Trail Association is undertaking environmental restoration at the Western Creek crossing along the trail, targeting degraded riparian zones for rehabilitation. Works include weed removal and replanting of native trees and groundcover species to restore biodiversity, improve water quality, and prevent erosion. The initiative will enhance habitat for native wildlife and serves as an educational and recreational feature for the 500 trail users who visit weekly.

2024

Applicant	Summary
Imbil Swimming Pool	The Imbil Swimming Pool’s Community Swimming Volunteer Training & Supervision Support initiative aims to enhance the quality and safety of its volunteer-led operations. Since launching in 2022, the program has provided a vital service to the Imbil and Mary Valley communities. Queensland Hydro’s grant supported 24 lifeguards and first aid training courses for volunteers.
Jimna Community Development Association	The Jimna Community Development Association launched a three-year initiative to improve emergency preparedness. The project includes the installation of a community First Aid Kit and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at the Jimna Community Hall, together with a community training program. Residents and visitors are being equipped with essential lifesaving skills, strengthening community resilience and safety.
Dagun Community Group Inc	Dagun Community Group is leading a transformative cultural project involving the creation of large-scale murals and interactive soundscape installations at the Dagun Station precinct. The project will bring together 30-50 community members, local artists, and a project manager to deliver up to 80sqm of murals and sound features. This initiative enhances the area’s cultural appeal, encourages community participation, and celebrates creativity in the Mary Valley region.
Imbil Community & Sports Club Inc	The Imbil Community & Sports Club has equipped its venue with a large TV, soundbar, camera, and printer to support community workshops, training, and virtual meetings. This digital connectivity upgrade enables local organisations and groups to deliver training and services more effectively, fostering inclusion and participation. The initiative strengthens the club’s role as a multipurpose community space and increases access to digital opportunities within the Imbil region.
Mt Stanley Muster Inc	Mt Stanley Muster installed an ambulant accessible toilet block at its event grounds, ensuring inclusive facilities for community members and visitors. This upgrade improves participation opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges, elderly attendees, and other groups requiring accessibility support. The facility enhances the Muster’s long-standing role as a community gathering, encourages broader participation, and strengthens inclusivity in local events.
Kilcoy Gymnastics Club Inc	Kilcoy Gymnastics Club upgraded the flooring at its Toogoolawah campus with high-density impact foam to improve safety and accessibility for all club users include students and parents. This upgrade benefits young gymnasts and families attending sessions, ensuring the club can continue to offer inclusive and secure facilities for its growing membership.
Perseverance Street Theatre Company	The Perseverance Street Theatre Company’s 2025 Youth Theatre Program engages young people aged 12 to 18 through weekly drama workshops, performance creation, and public shows. Open to youth of all abilities, the program provides social connection and mental wellbeing while providing mentorship from young adult role models. Queensland Hydro supported the running of the 2025 program, which included the production of a fully youth written and produced play, Boys in the Back of the Bus.
Kandanga & District Amateur Swimming Club Inc	The Kandanga & District Amateur Swimming Club purchased and installed gym equipment for use by its members, as well as those from the Mary Valley Stags Rugby League Club and Kandanga Tennis Club. This initiative provides year-round fitness options to complement the six-month swimming season and creates a shared hub for health and wellbeing. The gym is encouraging youth participation in sport and promoting a lifelong commitment to fitness and connection.
Australian Institute of Country Music	The Australian Institute of Country Music (AICM) undertook the installation of solar panels to reduce the high electricity costs of operating 11 air-conditioning units in its community facility. As a vital hub that hosts a wide variety of community groups and events, AICM aims to provide affordable access while maintaining comfort during Queensland’s hot summers. By lowering running costs, the solar system supports the organisation’s long-term sustainability and ensures venue hire fees remain accessible for local groups.
Mary Valley RSL sub-branch	The Mary Valley RSL Sub-Branch’s Wellbeing Car Service provides essential transport for veterans, their families, and vulnerable community members in the Mary Valley region. With no public transport or rideshare options available, this service is critical for accessing medical appointments, wellbeing services, and support activities—often requiring long travel to Gympie or the Sunshine Coast. Covering around 20,000 kilometres each year, the program supports health outcomes and provides a reliable service for those most in need. Grant funds are supporting the group until 2028.
Mary Valley Artslink	Mary Valley Artslink is looking to establish the Mary Valley Arts and Cultural Hub, a permanent and accessible venue replacing the recently closed ‘Art on Yabba Fine Art Gallery.’ This new hub will serve as a shared space for community arts and cultural activities, supporting local artists and fostering community engagement through art. Strategically aligned with tourism, economy, and community connection, the hub aims to enrich the regional art scene and create a gathering place that strengthens social bonds.