Community Grants Program - 2009

A Brighter Future Organisation Inc - $10,000

A Brighter Future is a charity formed by a group of Queensland parents who came together to raise funds for children who have Cerebral Palsy (CP).  It was established to improve the quality of life for children with CP, help them realise their aspirations and their right to an inclusive community. With the Community Grant funds, trial equipment will be provided for children and families such as wheelchairs and assistance community devices for children to help alleviate the expense associated with CP.

Hope Empowered Inc - $10,000

The mission of Hope Empowered is to enable people to connect with and strengthen one another, empower people to engage the poor and disadvantaged and to equip people for fullness of life. The grant will support Kids Hope Aus, a mentoring program that will provide at-risk children a mentor for one hour a week. The program will focus on a school in the area that has a high proportion of students from socially and economically disadvantaged families. 

Mission Australia - $10,000

Mission Australia is a national non-denominational Christian community service organisation.  Mission seeks to create a fairer Australia by eliminating disadvantage and transforming lives. Grant funds will be put towards the Nightspot Project, a community placement model that allows vulnerable youth to stay in the homes of trained volunteers in the community.

Noah's Ark Resource Centre Inc - $9,893

Noah’s Ark Resource Centre provides specialised educational resources and equipment to support children with a disability into an educational or early childcare setting.  The Community Grant will help support the establishment of a book library & multi media facility. This will provide an opportunity for children with a disability to access a variety of resources including learning and play based material in a fun and interactive way.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation - $7,700

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) improves the quality of health care provision by assisting with the activities of the Cairns Base Hospital and Cairns & Hinterland Health Service District.  The money received by Commonwealth Bank staff will help with the Refurbishment of the Hospital School Room and play equipment at the Cairns Base Hospital Paediatric Unit. 

Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Inc - $5,500

Cerebral Palsy League (CPL) provides support and advocacy for children with physical disability to maximise independence and opportunities. The initiative the Community Grant will support is the Therapy Aide Project. A therapy aide will be employed for a period of 6 months to work alongside children’s therapists currently employed at CPL.    

Hear and Say Centre - $9,400

The Hear and Say centre for deaf and hearing impaired children is an early intervention program teaching children to hear, listen and speak using cochlear implants and digital hearing aids. The Community Grant will support the STAR Program. This 8-10 week program is a social skills program that will help these children build their confidence, self-esteem and communication through fun activities like rope courses and rock climbing.  

Loaves and Fishes Street Meet Care Services Ltd - $10,000

Loaves and Fishes provides food parcels to the needy and underprivileged. The large amount of food from sausage sizzles and the multiple vans that deliver food around the city needs to be stored. The Community Grant funding will be used to purchase freezers to increase food storage, allowing operations to expand.

Scripture Union Queensland - $10,000

Scripture Union employs Chaplains to work within school communities to assist students to improve their understanding of life and deal with the issues which impact on them. The Community Grant will fund the Community Bush Dance and Silent Auction, the  major fundraiser for the year.

The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland - $5,500

The Leukaemia Foundation is dedicated to helping children, teenagers and adults with leukaemias, lymphomas, myelomas and related blood disorders. Patients and their families are provided with access to services and facilities free of charge. The grant will help fund Healing Hearts, a bereavement program for children aged 5 years to 12 years old who have lost a loved one.