Queensland Golf Clubs Secure Over $600,000 in Community Grants

POSTED ON July 16, 2026 @ 8:49 am

More than $600,000 in funding has been awarded to 20 golf clubs across Queensland through the latest round of the state’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

The GCBF is Queensland’s largest one-off community grants program, redistributing roughly $60 million annually from gambling revenues to support not-for-profit organizations, leisure activities, and community services.

The funding marks a notable increase in support from the previous cycle, Round 125, which distributed just over $400,000 across 15 golf clubs. The new funding allocations will be used by the clubs to finance facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and broader infrastructure improvements.

The Role of the Grant Writing Assistance Program

A portion of the funding was secured with direct help from Golf Australia’s Grant Writing Assistance Program (GWAP). In Round 126, the GWAP helped seven golf clubs secure a combined $213,200. An additional 13 affiliated clubs secured $406,000 through independent applications.

Volunteer-run operations highlighted the importance of professional assistance in navigating the application process.

“The Golf Australia Grant Writing Assistance Program is invaluable to the club, and the people at Red Tape Busters are always on top of the grant situation and stay in touch through the process,” said Trevor Warrener, Treasurer of Millaa Millaa Golf Club. “Without them, we would have to take time out from our volunteer activities.”

Impact on Rural and Small Clubs

For smaller, regional operations, the grants provide funding for infrastructure that would otherwise be financially out of reach. Millaa Millaa Golf Club, located in Far North Queensland, has fewer than 100 members and received $35,000 under the GWAP to construct a new cart shed.

“Without the grant funding we would be unable to consider any improvements to our club and course,” Warrener stated. “Most of our machinery is purchased through grant funding along with all improvements to the course and club. The demand for hire buggies regularly exceeds the number of buggies the club owns, resulting in lost opportunities to gain new members and much-needed funds for our club. The club will be in the position to increase our fleet of hire carts with the extra space available in the new facility.”

Tambo Golf Club, situated in rural central Queensland, also used the GWAP to secure $20,000. The funds are earmarked for clubhouse upgrades, including the installation of air conditioning.

“Grant funding can make a significant difference for small clubs like ours by helping cover costs they couldn’t otherwise afford,” said Tambo Golf Club Treasurer Bec Johnston.