One of the ways the Turnbull government supports local communities and community based organisations is through the Stronger Communities Fund. Over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of contacting a number of organisations in my electorate of McPherson to let them know that they have been successful in their application for funding under that program.
There are, of course, many organisations on the southern Gold Coast that make a difference, but I would like to acknowledge the following who received well-deserved Stronger Communities Fund grants: the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club for a new flagpole; the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club to renovate their clubhouse; Coolangatta Country Women's Association for renovations and audiovisual equipment; the Palm Beach Cricket Club for new cricket nets; the Palm Beach-Currumbin AFL club to refurbish change rooms; the Lab to provide new technology for young people diagnosed with high-functioning autism; the Benevolent Society for a new support centre for young people and their families; the Sanctuary women and children's refuge to upgrade accessibility and security; Burleigh Heads Rotary Club to provide a no-cost mobility scooters for those most in need; the Twin City Baseball Club for portable fencing; Fight 4 Youth to buy a new van; and Mudgeeraba Scouts to revitalise their den.I'm pleased to say that there are a couple more to be announced in the coming week.
My sincere thanks go to my Stronger Communities committee members: Jeff Davis, John Forrester, Hilary Jacobs and Catherine Pevy-Trewartha. Thank you so much.
Last week I also had the pleasure of announcing on behalf of the government $1.325 million in funding for Arcadia College in my electorate through the Capital Grants Program. Arcadia College takes a different approach to learning, and it's certainly a very inclusive environment. Students learn in a team with their own team leader in their own studio. There are currently about 190 students at Arcadia, with growth projected to 300 in the near future. This means that Arcadia College needs to expand, so the Commonwealth grant of $1.325 million will go towards stage 1 of the construction of a new facility that includes three junior secondary studios, staff offices, administration and an outdoor recreation area. It was great to visit the school and make the funding announcement with principal Jason Sessarago, who leads a team of educators who are exceptionally dedicated to their students. I can assure you they were all very excited by the news. Well done to them.
I would also like to tell the House about a very worthwhile charity in my electorate that I'm supporting through my Christmas appeal. It's called Baby Give Back. The organisation is run by a group of local mums who are supporting mothers and babies who need assistance most. I'd like to acknowledge the directors: Carly Fradgley, Kylie Gregson, Ainsley McLaren and Julie McBride. Good-quality, new items that can help struggling mothers can be dropped off at my electorate office to be delivered to the charity.