Easter treats arrived early for three Kawana community groups which have shared in more than $60,000 worth of Queensland Government grant funding.

Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie congratulated Lake Currimundi-Kawana Lions Club, Kawana Community Kindergarten and Preschool Association and the AEIOU Foundation, Sippy Downs on receiving Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants.

The Lions Club will spend its $33,500 on the purchase of a vehicle, Kawana Community Kindergarten will receive $25,000 to install a storage shed and equipment and the AEIOU Foundation is set to receive $6000 toward play equipment.

Mr Bleijie said he was pleased the Government could provide much-needed financial support to important community organisations through these grants every few months.

“Lions Club President Joyce Peters and her fellow Lions invest much into the Kawana community and I’m thrilled they’ve received this grant to assist them in their good work,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Similarly, both the Kawana Community Kindergarten and Preschool Association and the AEIOU Foundation provide important services for our community and I am pleased to see them each receive grant funding.”

Kawana Community Kindergarten President Ben Calder said he was delighted with the kindergarten’s grant.

“This will allow us to continue to develop and improve our facility and the services we provide for Kawana families,” he said.

Lions Club President Joyce Peters said the grant was wonderful and it would enable the club to purchase a van.

“It will greatly assist our members who volunteer their time to run weekly sausage sizzles and other events, which raise funds for the local community,” she said.

Mr Bleijie said the grants are designed for approved not-for-profit organisations and are not intended to replace existing sources of support for these organisations.

“I encourage all groups in the Kawana community to apply for the next round of funding,” he said.

In the past two years more than $590 000 has been distributed to clubs in the Kawana electorate, including the Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club and The Salvation Army’s Caloundra Corps. For more information visit www.olgr.qld.gov.au and click on ‘grants’