SUPPORT FOR ROLE OF CLUBS
LAWS to ban property developers making donations to political parties will be reintroduced to Queensland Parliament this week.
The State Labor Government introduced the legislation to Parliament late last year but did not get the laws passed before the November 25 election. The legislation, which will apply retrospectively to last year’s campaign, now needs to be reintroduced.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the laws would be raised at this week’s sitting of Parliament, after suggesting in January they might not be introduced until later in the year. COMMUNITY groups have until Friday to apply for a share of $ 300,000 in multicultural project grants.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said funding was for projects promoting inclusive and welcoming communities that brought people together to celebrate diversity.
The funding is open to notfor- profit organisations as well as community groups, community associations, including service clubs and sporting groups, and local councils which partner with community groups. NEW data has shown community clubs are not only popular for a good meal and a drink, but they also play a critical role in the local, state and national economy.
The recently released 2017 Clubs Queensland annual report shows community clubs returned more than $ 850 million in social contributions and generate annual economic activity valued at more than $ 2.2 billion for the state’s economy.
Over 1100 community clubs in Queensland also provide employment for more than 22,000 people.
Brothers Leagues Club CEO Justin Wilkins said staff were always on the lookout for new food, beverage, promotion and gaming ideas to keep club members satisfied.
“When you join Brothers Townsville you get to experience two great clubs in Brothers Leagues Club Townsville and Kirwan Sports Club, who between them have been acknowledged as Best Club North Queensland seven times,” he said.
“The club prides itself in providing a safe, family- friendly environment, that’s evident with the growing number of kids club membership which exceeds 2000.”
Mr Wilkins said both Brothers Leagues Club and Kirwan Sports Club had undergone significant renovations over the last few years.
“To stay competitive the board at Brothers Leagues Club are well aware that you need to continually invest back into your facilities.
“Kirwan Sports Club is reinventing itself into what has become a very popular boutique club,” he said. “Brothers Leagues Club is also nearing the finish of our latest renovation.”
Clubs Queensland CEO Doug Flockhart said clubs defined local communities.
“The primary reasons people visit community clubs are to enjoy a meal or a beverage,” Mr Flockhart said.
“We shouldn’t forget that many Queenslanders enjoy community clubs and pubs as places to spend time and create memories with their families and friends.”