Gold Coast Grants Drive Community Recovery Efforts

The City’s Disaster Recovery Grants program has awarded a total of $600,000 to 23 community organisations and six well-being programs to aid in recovery efforts following the severe storms that struck over Christmas.

Gold Coast Grants and Disaster Recovery Efforts

The grants, part of the Gold Coast City’s disaster recovery plan, are intended to help not-for-profit groups repair storm damage and continue community support efforts.

Mayor Tom Tate emphasised the importance of these grants in aiding the recovery process, noting that “ongoing financial and mental health support has been crucial in the Gold Coast’s recovery.”

The grants were used to repair local sporting clubs, support wildlife hospitals overwhelmed with admissions, and fund rural fire brigades.

Additionally, well-being programs received grants to ensure residents have access to mental health services during recovery.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), which received $9,800, is using the funds to provide 200 shelf-stable food boxes to those most affected by the storms.

Stephen Taylor, RRT Brisbane Local Team Leader, explained that these boxes are filled with non-perishable goods to provide temporary food relief.

Another recipient, Get Mentally Fit, received $13,220 to run workshops offering strategies to improve emotional well-being after the disaster.

Emily Johnson, Principal Psychologist at Get Mentally Fit, said the workshops aim to “empower participants and their families to navigate life more positively.”

These grants play a critical role in helping the Gold Coast community recover and build resilience against future disasters.