RACQ reminds communities of disaster recovery fund

  RACQ Group CEO Ian Gillespie today reminded Queensland community groups battling to get back on their feet after the latest natural disasters to hit the State that recovery funding was available from the RACQ Foundation. The Foundation was set up two years ago in the aftermath of the record storms, floods and cyclones of the summer 2010/2011. Almost 120 community groups throughout Queensland have received funding totalling more than $6 million from the RACQ Foundation since it was established. "During that time we’ve helped communities from Cairns to Coolangatta and ranging from sports clubs to kindergartens," Mr Gillespie said. "The Foundation’s core purpose is to help community organisations recover from natural disasters and to allow for charity organisations to provide ongoing assistance to flood and cyclone victims. "We encourage community organisations impacted by the latest natural disasters to apply for funding of up to $200,000 per project to repair, replace or rebuild damaged properties, buildings, equipment and assets. "The deadline for the next round of funding is 29 April 2013." Mr Gillespie said that as a 108-year-old Queensland mutual with 1.2 million members, RACQ felt it had a vital role to play in the recovery of communities from all types of natural disasters. "We initially established the Foundation to assist with what was then the biggest disaster in the State’s history," Mr Gillespie said. "But clearly in a State such as ours there is an ongoing need for this type of assistance, and we want to be able to provide help now and into the future. "RACQ has always been about helping Queenslanders, and this is a natural extension of our community outreach program." Funding from the Foundation is only available to community and charitable groups, rather than individuals. "The Foundation seeks to support those organisations and groups that make a real difference in their local communities," Mr Gillespie said.

Community Landcare Grant Round Announced

The Federal Minister for Agriculture has launched the Community Landcare Grants designed to support the natural resource management community to ensure Australia's agricultural base is sustainable, productive and resilient. Grants of $5000 to $50 000 (GST exclusive) are available to help local community-based organisations and groups take on-ground action as well as build their capacity and skills to manage their natural environment and productive lands. Read more at: http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/agriculture/clg/index.html

QPWS Photo Competition

QPWS "It's Better Outdoors' Photo Comp 2013

QPWS "It's Better Outdoors' Photo Comp OPENS February 10, 2013 (Closing date: October 8, 2013) Categories: Under the Stars | On the Edge | Wet and Sometimes Wild Natural Wonders | Hitting the Trails | Learning Outdoors The competition is free to enter and open for images taken in Queensland only. Read more at: http://www.visioningtheoutdoors.com/photo-comp/

Visioning the Outdoors Short Film Competition 2013

2013 Competition Dates

Visioning the Outdoors opened on 10 February, 2013 and entries will close 21 June, 2013

Theme:

LIVE Outdoors is a celebration of the power of outdoor recreation activities to enrich people’s lives. The film competition asks you to create a vision of outdoor activity and nature that is inspiring and creative; telling a story of life as it is lived in the realm of outdoor activities.

Film submissions for LIVE Outdoors may focus on one, or many, outdoor recreation pursuits and environments but the intention of submissions should be on developing a short film, in any genre, that helps to inspire others to be active outdoors. Film submissions can be compositions of real life footage, movie montages, animations, etc. Filmmakers may capture footage on land, water or in the air, in pristine untouched environments or local urban parks. Your activities may be adrenaline fuelled, or capture the serenity of nature; but all should help expand our understanding of the value of outdoor recreation in contemporary society.

2013 Categories

Categories for 2013 include:

• 'Outdoors Queensland' Open 3-5 Minute Short Film
• 'PCYC' Outdoor Organisations 3-5 Minute Short Film
• 'SEQ Catchments' Youth 3 Minute Short Film
• Mobile Minute
• People's Choice

Film Entry Guidelines
In brief, the activities filmed should:

• originate or feature at least some content from Queensland, Australia;
• be legal and abide by authorised uses of public land spaces;
• be in keeping with ethical and moral standards (i.e. no nudity, violence, sex scenes or bad language).

For full details and to enter:

http://www.visioningtheoutdoors.com/film-competition/