Grants Back Local Groups

A $2,000 Council grant will help the long-running Innisfail and District Pipe Band Association purchase and safely store new equipment as it looks to attract new members. Pictured at Innisfail’s 2025 Anzac Day parade from left: David Cornish, Marc Darveniza, Elliott Ferguson, Michael Lindsey and Cameron Ferguson (Image supplied)

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Community groups from Cardwell to Goondi will share in more than $200,000 of Cassowary Coast Regional Council grants, supporting everything from new pipe band equipment and community events to facility improvements and lawn care.

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Council’s first round of its 2026–27 Community Grants and Support Program has backed six projects through its Community Programs and Initiatives stream, worth more than $24,000, along with 15 projects through the Community Infrastructure stream.

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Among the recipients is the Innisfail and District Pipe Band Association, which will receive $2,000.

Band secretary, David Cornish, said the money would help purchase new equipment and provide suitable storage – an important investment for the small band as it looks to attract new pipers and drummers.

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Formed in 1953, the band has a proud history in the district and once boasted a large membership. Today, membership has fallen to just six, but Mr Cornish hopes the grant will help breathe new life into the band and ensure the distinctive sound of the pipes continues to be heard at events across the district.

Elsewhere, the grants stretch across the region and cover a diverse range of local needs.

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Cardwell UFO Festival will receive $7,500, Cardwell Sportfishing Club $3,630, Tully Women in Agriculture $2,000, Tully Motorcycle Club $4,942.40 and Goondi Scout Group $4,019.

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Infrastructure funding includes $30,000 for Tully Show Society, $28,498 for Tully and District Men’s Shed, $25,400 for Mission Beach Rotary Club, $25,254 for Cardwell State School P&C Association and $19,064 for Garradunga Progress Association.

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Mission Beach Community Arts, Innisfail golf and tennis clubs, Tully Girl Guides, QCWA Silkwood, Mission Beach Sailing Club and the Rotary Club of Tully are also among the successful recipients.

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Mayor Teresa Millwood said the grants helped local organisations deliver projects that brought people together, encouraged participation and fostered local pride.

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Further Community Grants and Support Program funding rounds will open soon, with details to be published on Council’s website and Facebook page.  

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