From local theatre groups to sporting club and community gardens, Mount Isa Airport is once again offering community groups a chance to secure much-needed funding, with the latest round of its Community Benefit Fund open for applications.

The airport’s Community Benefit Fund has already helped several local community groups since its inception four years ago, and is now open for applications for 2019, with cash grants of up to $1,000 on offer.

The program is awarding cash grants to support initiatives in the categories of health and wellbeing, community safety, education, environment and sustainability, arts and culture for the fourth consecutive year. This year, the airport is also calling for initiatives aimed at supporting local indigenous communities or enhancing indigenous cultural awareness.

The Community Benefit Fund is run by the airport’s parent company, Queensland Airports Limited (QAL), which has supported about 150 groups and initiatives since 2016, providing more than $150,000 in funding.

Mount Isa Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said the organisation was committed to doing what it could to support the Central Western Queensland region and the Community Benefit Fund was key to achieving this.

“This fund is ideal for schools, sporting clubs, charities, community support services and surf clubs. We are hopeful of supporting as many initiatives as possible,” he said.

“I’d encourage anyone involved in a community group or not-for-profit organisation in need of a helping hand, to access our website and apply for funding. We know people are busy, so we have streamlined the application process to make sure it shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete.”

Mount Isa Theatrical Society, which first began as a small group of people performing on Friday nights in the 1950s before evolving into a professional body dedicated to creating quality live theatre, was a recipient of last year’s round of funding.

“The Mount Isa Theatrical Society was extremely grateful to benefit from the 2018 Airport Community Benefit Fund,” said Mount Isa Theatrical Society spokesperson Jenelle Robartson.

“The money was used to purchase an i-Pad and accessories to run our sound effect programs. This device has allowed us to use specially-created sound cueing applications specific to Apple devices, offering the group the opportunity to expand our ability to offer a quality soundscape performance.

“As a non-profit arts enterprise, we are extremely appreciative of the ability to use state-of-the-art technology to enhance our production quality and bring bigger and better shows to the Outback.”

Other community groups that have received a grant from Mount Isa Airport’s Community Benefit Fund in the past include Island BMX Club Mount Isa, Mount Isa Community Ensembles and Injilinji Pre-School Community Garden.

To receive a $1,000 grant, groups need to demonstrate their ability to deliver positive outcomes in at least one of the nominated funding categories.

Applications for this year’s Community Benefit Fund, which are open until 23 June 2019, can be made online and take less than an hour.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.mountisaairport.com.au/community/community-benefit-fund

QAL is an accomplished airport operator that owns and operates Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

The Community Benefit Fund was established in 2016, providing more than $50,000 a year in support to community grassroots events and initiatives.