Grant approval quite a Feat
HAPPY Feat Townsville has more than Christmas to celebrate after a grant to maintain its venue was approved.
The Townsville City Council grant, under the Community Grants funding scheme, will allow Happy Feat to continue providing a safe venue for members and volunteers.
Happy Feat founder and president Leigh Caldwell said the approval added to the celebration of another big year.
“The Townsville City Council has supported Happy Feat for over six years by funding our venue, so that’s really appreciated,” Ms Caldwell said.
“Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to keep our term fees at such a low cost. I don’t think there are many groups out there who can charge only $ 4 per week.”
She said the council was extremely helpful with Happy Feat’s grant applications.
“A council grant can be really daunting when you’re just a volunteer and unfamiliar with the process, but the Townsville City Council staff have been absolutely amazing over the last six years,” Ms Caldwell said. “It was just too daunting to even think about, but with their help, we’ve been able to do it.
“They’ve been passionate about providing assistance and helping us with anything to do with the submission.”
Happy Feat provides a fun and encouraging environment for people with special needs and abilities to express themselves through dance.
More than 100 people get involved with Happy Feat every week. The venue must be easily accessible, and have airconditioning and plenty of space to dance.
“We’re very protective of our Happy Featers,” Ms Caldwell said.
“We want to make sure that every time they come to Happy Feat, they’re going to have the best fun ever.
“They just want to have fun and have a positive and happy time.”
The Happy Feat Christmas Breakup party last week featured plenty of dancing, celebrations of December birthdays and even a visit by a surprise guest. The Happy Featers will be back up and dancing around the start of February.
“We’ve got some things planned already for the new year, so watch this space,” Ms Caldwell said.