Funds help raise the bar

All smiles: Gladstone Gymnastic Club’s (back) Keegan McPherson, Lauran Gibson, Michaela Warwick and (front) Whitney Dew, Keecia White and Madeline Moran.

Simon Crase

LOCAL gymnasts are beaming in more ways than one after a state government announcement.

Thanks to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, the Gladstone Gymnastic Club will receive $27,639 for sporting and safety equipment.

Gladstone Gymnastic Club treasurer Karen Parker said the funds would be most welcomed by the club, which has had resurgence in membership.

Alerted to the news by The Observer, Parker said the club would be “thrilled to bits” to hear they could make a tremendous improvement to what they offer.

“We’ll be able to have two dedicated equipment areas and this means more time on equipment, and quicker rotation times for members doing exercises,” Parker said.

“We identified dead space in the gym last year and wanted to be able to utilise it.

“The added equipment will mean we can revamp the programs and more classes will be able to run.”

With almost 400 members, the gymnastic club is now at the highest level of participation in the past five years, Parker said, and the funding couldn’t come at a better time.

“This allows us to maintain a high quality venue which you wouldn’t see outside of Brisbane,” she said.

Parker said the club was very thankful for the funding provided by the State Government.

Minister Peter Lawlor said the grants make a real difference for groups and organisations attempting to meet the needs of their local communities throughout Queensland.

“People within community organisations contribute so much of their own time, experience and resources, it is great to be able to add a little bit extra,” he said.

Biloela Netball Club also received almost $30,000 in Gambling Community Benefit Fund money.