Forest Lake community groups unite for grant celebration

5 March 2019

Youth programs, life-saving defibrillators, sporting scholarships and equipment to support the provision of free community dinners – just some of the fantastic local initiatives that received a helping hand as part of Heritage Finance Holdings Forest Lake’s community grants program in 2018.

Last year, 30 local community groups shared in just over $258,000 in funding grants from Heritage Finance Holdings Forest Lake Community Branch and joint venture partner Forest Lake One Community (FLOC). They recently came together to swap stories and celebrate each other’s contribution to the community at a special grant recipient evening hosted by Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Forest Lake and FLOC on 26 February.

Heritage Finance Holdings Forest Lake Community Branch Manager Caleb Prescott said, “Besides celebrating the amazing contribution these groups make in our community, the event also provided a fantastic networking opportunity for everyone who attended. The atmosphere in the room was electric – big thank you to our Customer Service Supervisor Mel Keating who did another great job organizing the event this year.”

Mr Prescott said it was such a privilege for Forest Lake Community Branch team to see first-hand the positive impact that these grants have for the groups, their customers and the community. 

“Being a community branch is something we are really proud of,” Mr Prescott said.

“Not only are we able to provide high quality banking services to people in Forest Lake, the more people bank with us, the more is returned back into the region in the form of grants.  

“Seeing the diversity of the groups in the room was a fantastic insight into the amazing community we have in Forest Lake. It was great for everyone to hear a little about what each group does, some whom they may not have known about if not for the grant recipient evening.

“We are so thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community together with the FLOC board, and keep the community’s best interests at heart.” 

The 2018 grants recipients include*:

• Lions Club of Forest Lake - $19,500 towards construction of a picnic shelter and to support Easter Fun Day
• Inala PCYC ‘Break the Cycle’ - $14,128 for the purchase of a car for its Learn to Drive program
• Vietnamese Community In America - $2,000 towards Lunar New Year celebrations, promoting Vietnamese culture and social and welfare services
• Grand Avenue State School - $13,000 towards an audio system for the school hall
• Inala Youth Care Community Inc - $7,000 towards the “Girls with a Purpose” wellbeing and support program for girls aged 8-17
• Probus Club of Forest Lake - $1,832 for a laptop, computer equipment and banner
• Glenala State High School - $6,000 for a Mystery Tour program for Year 12 students in partnership with QLD Police Service as an alternative to after formal parties
  Wolston Park Centenary Cricket Club - $1,638 towards cricket pitch covers and a freezer
• Hope For All Nations Church - $1,408 towards logos and signwork for the community bus
• Pillow Cases for Oncology - $2,000 towards fabric to make decorative pillowcases for child cancer patient
• Forest Lake 50+ Club - $2,614 for a defibrillator 
• Inala Community Kindergarten - $6,000 towards its 50th year anniversary plaque and artwork and a shade sail for the playground
• A Touch Of Compassion - $15,328 towards equipment for its weekly community dinners 
• Forest Lake Community House Association - $12,235 towards and electronic swipe access system for the premises
• Forest Lake Netball Club - $4,186 towards trophy and club socks for end-of-year presentations
• Forest Lake Crafters Club – Payment of its annual public liability insurance premium to enable them to set up public stalls to share their hobby, crafts and goods
• The Lakes District Dragon Boat Club - $3,850 towards a defibrillator and trolley to move boats on and off the water 
• Bangladesh Puja & Cultural Society - $5,000 towards its cultural festival 
• Glenala State High School - $1,196 towards a laptop and tablet to be awarded at the “Inala says kNOw” Symposium
• Doolandella Neighbourhood Watch - $273 towards a marquee, sign and banner
• Lakes Swimming Club Inc - $7,656 towards an electronic championship timing system 
• Pallara State School - $7,778 towards air conditioning units for the benefit of students and staff
• Forest Lake Dragons AFL - $6,300 to assist with uniforms for the 2019 season
• Forest Lake RSL - $8,000 to assist with the ANZAC Day Parade & the 20th Anniversary of the Forest Lake sub branch 
• Forest Lake State High School – $11,925 to fund three scholarships as part of the Rugby League Program of Excellence 
• Forest Lake Social Golf Club – Funds towards shirts with logos
• Forest Lake Community Carols Committee - $17,000 to support the annual community carols
• Forest Lake Uniting Church – Funds to assist with bus signage
• Devicentrix - Funds to purchase equipment to assist with a lawn maintenance program that provides services local elderly and disabled persons and provides work experience for local youths.

*Final grant amounts may vary