Giving back to the community

LOCAL community organisations and clubs are encouraged to apply for funding through a new business collaboration, aimed at giving thousands back to the district.?
The Central Highlands Community – formed by eight local businesses – hopes to raise $100,000 for community groups, set to be allocated at an inaugural gala dinner in the coming weeks.?
“We are providing a way to give back to the community.?The very community that supports us, the small?businesses,”?founding member Scott Gooderham said.??
“We are creating better opportunities for?our children,?and?better infrastructure and facilities for our?great region.”??
Mr Gooderham said the division of $100,000 would be allocated to the “most deserving of our community’s contributing people, groups and organisations”.?
Local groups interested in applying for funding are asked to visit the Central Highlands Community website and fill out an application form, outlining what they do, where and what the benefits of contributions are.??
The distribution of the funds will be facilitated via a review panel of three to four community members.??
The panel, currently?involving?Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd and local councillor Janice Moriarty,?will select a handful of community groups and organisations set to receive portions of the combined funds.??
“The aim is to be able to drive through the region and see the new infrastructure, or kids sporting facilities or know that our community now has access to better medical equipment,” Mr Gooderham said.??
“We will do our best to bring our small community up to the standards that we need and deserve.”??
The Central Highlands Community will hold its inaugural Gala Dinner on April 24, where the $100,000 will be distributed back into the community, with further fund raised by the?night?presented back to the township.?
The dinner will be headlined by special guests Billy “Queenslander” Moore and Mr Body Language Allan Pease, as well as feature a spokesperson to discuss mental health in regional areas, a?comedian?and performances from a local band.?
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Mr Gooderham said.?
“Billy is always entertaining… and being such a strong rugby area, the night should be a lot of fun.?
“I have seen a number of Allan’s events… he’s pretty switched on, pretty smart, a great speaker and is also very entertaining.”?
The dinner is limited to 180 tickets, costing $110 per person on a table of 10.?
Guests can also pay an extra $500 to have either Billy or Allan at their table.?
First in first served.?
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.
Local businesses can also become involved in the organisation by becoming a business member, and joining the cause to give back to the region.
Interested businesses can get involved through the organisations?website,?or by emailing?sponsorship@centralhighlandscommunity.org.?
Local community groups wishing to apply for funding – to be allocated?this?month – can do so by?emailing?application@centralhighlandscommunity.org?or phoning 07 4987 5875.?
Secure your tickets for the upcoming Gala Dinner at the Central Highlands Community website today.
First in, first served.