Funding boost enhances safety and accessibility at Maleny Community Centre
Andrew Powell recently met with Maleny District Sport and Recreation Club (MDSRC) President David Lowden and Grants Officer Greg Williams to congratulate the organisation on securing $14,020 through Round 126 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Mr Powell said it was always rewarding to see funding deliver practical benefits to so many parts of the community.
“It’s fantastic when an outcome like this can support multiple local groups all at once. This upgrade will improve safety, access and usability for everyone, from sports clubs and Rotary volunteers to families at the Kindy and those attending the nearby medical centre,” Mr Powell commented.
The funding will support a gravel upgrade of the car park and the installation of a new power pole and exterior lighting at the Cedar Street Community Centre, located at 17 Cedar Street, Maleny. These improvements will significantly enhance safety and access for a wide range of community users, including:
• Members and affiliated clubs of MDSRC, as well as hirers using the Centre for exercise classes and table tennis
• Members of the Rotary Club of Maleny utilising the site’s storage shed • Rotary Club members and volunteers using the Centre as a base for organising the 2026 Maleny Wood Expo
• Parents, grandparents, carers and children accessing the adjoining Maleny C&K Community Kindergarten and Playgroup
MDSRC President David Lowden said the grant would deliver genuine benefits to the hinterland community.
“The grant is extremely beneficial to our local community as it will enable the extension and gravelling of the car park to address safety issues during wet weather. It will ensure vehicles can move safely off Cedar Street and park off-road, close to the Kindy, at those important times of day when dropping off and collecting children. It will also provide safe, nearby and shaded parking spaces for Kindy staff.”
Grants Officer Greg Williams noted that the benefits extend even further.
“The improved car park area will also assist members of the local Maleny Presbyterian Church on Sundays, as well as people attending the Fig Tree Medical Centre across the road during weekdays.”
MDSRC expressed its appreciation for the funding support, which will help strengthen community safety and accessibility for many local groups.
L-R Greg Williams with David Lowden and MP Andrew Powell.