Tag: Brisbane news

Sherwood Guides Receive Facility Upgrade Grant

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

A local community group in Sherwood has secured funding to improve its facility as part of a broader $14 million grant rollout.

Read: Oxley Police Academy to Receive Significant Upgrade

State Support for Community Projects

The State has awarded more than $14 million in funding to almost 600 not-for-profit organisations through the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Among the recipients is Guides Queensland Sherwood, which will receive $23,500 to construct storage space and repaint its facility.

Girl Guides Queensland
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Background on the Grant Program

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), now in its 123rd round, offers grants of up to $35,000. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the program has distributed more than $1.25 billion in funding to grassroots organisations across Queensland. The latest round attracted over 1,100 applications.

The GCBF provides financial support for projects that promote community wellbeing, including sport, volunteer initiatives, accessibility improvements, and local events. All funding is directed to eligible community-based organisations.

Role of Girl Guides Queensland

Guides Queensland Sherwood is a local unit of Girl Guides Queensland, which is the largest youth organisation for girls and women in the state. The organisation includes approximately 3,000 youth members and 1,000 adult volunteers and delivers a non-formal educational program aimed at skill development and leadership. Programs are led by trained volunteers and are tailored to individual member goals.

Funding Focus Only

The official announcement did not mention whether alternative projects in Sherwood were considered or if selection criteria changed in this round. The grant was one of nearly 600 awarded, based on applications submitted to Round 123.

Queensland community grants
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Community and Program Context

While the announcement did not provide direct public feedback, Guides Queensland is an established organisation with an ongoing presence in local communities. The grant to the Sherwood unit supports facility works in line with the group’s operational activities.

Future Funding Opportunities

Read: Tennyson Receives Rate Cut and Access Upgrade in 2025-26 Budget

Applications for the next GCBF round — a $100,000 “Super Round” — close on 18 July 2025. Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply through the Department of Justice website.

Published 10-July-2025

Tennyson Receives Rate Cut and Access Upgrade in 2025-26 Budget

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Tennyson has been marked for a residential rates reduction and nearby infrastructure funding under the 2025 BCC budget.

Read: Parents Coaching their Shy Child to be Brave

Budget Relief and Infrastructure Upgrade for Tennyson

Tennyson is among just three suburbs in Brisbane set to receive a decrease in owner-occupier rates as part of BCC’s 2025–26 budget. Additionally, nearby infrastructure used by Tennyson residents—the Walter Taylor Bridge between Chelmer and Indooroopilly—has been allocated funding for continued restoration.

Tennyson rates
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Suburbs-First Spending Confirmed

The $4.1 billion budget directs 85 per cent of spending into suburban areas. Tennyson residents will benefit from a 0.93 per cent decrease in their average residential rates due to changes in land valuations. By contrast, other suburbs will see rate rises of up to 7.5 per cent.

Walter Taylor Bridge Works Progressing

Although not located within Tennyson, the Walter Taylor Bridge serves as a key access point for the suburb. The bridge will undergo continued restoration works funded in this year’s budget. Planned works include structural repairs, rendering, and repainting, with completion expected ahead of the bridge’s 90th anniversary in February 2026.

Previous structural maintenance was undertaken last year, and this latest funding phase was confirmed following community concerns about the bridge’s condition.

Broader Budget Measures

Across Brisbane, owner-occupier rates will rise by an average of 3.87 per cent, with increases capped at 7.5 per cent. A new $100 annual surcharge will apply to inner-city unit owners purchasing after October 1. Meanwhile, a waste levy of $49.52 will be introduced citywide for green bins, even for those opting out of the service.

Brisbane budget
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Community Response and Implications

Residents in affected suburbs have raised affordability concerns due to increased rates and charges. In contrast, Tennyson’s combination of rate reduction and access to improved transport infrastructure has been regarded by some as a favourable outcome under this year’s budget.

Looking Ahead

Read: Paella Sunday Returns to Botellón in Graceville

With residential rates set to fall and improved connectivity through planned bridge restoration, Tennyson is one of the few suburbs positioned to benefit from the BCC’s 2025–26 budget. While most areas brace for increased costs, the Tennyson community will see both financial relief and infrastructure investment in the year ahead.

Published 20-June-2025