Rangebow Festival among Sunshine Coast Council grant recipients

The Rangebow Festival, an event that celebrates the “creative spirit of the hinterland’’, along with community facility upgrades and sporting equipment purchases are among the initiatives to receive a funding boost from the Sunshine Coast Council.

100 local community organisations, all striving to improve lives in the region, have gained support through Sunshine Coast Council’s latest Major Grants round.

They will receive a share of almost $600,000 to deliver a range of impressive community initiatives.

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law congratulated all the Major Grant recipients sharing “I’m looking forward to seeing many of these projects come to life. The range of events, projects and activities receiving funding is testament to the vibrant and diverse region we live in.”

Major Grant recipient and registered charity, Range of Life Pty Ltd, received $10,000 towards The Rangebow Festival 2023, a four-day arts and culture event conducted at multiple sites across the hinterland communities of Mapleton, Flaxton, Montville and Maleny from 10th to 13th August.

Festival Director Wayne Parcell said The Rangebow Festival celebrated the creative life and spirit of the Blackall Range communities set in the outstanding natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Parcell added “the world-class program includes 30 events delivered in collaboration with local community groups, artisans, businesses, performers and schools..

“The festival enables a wide variety of rich experiences, including indigenous food and culture, theatre, opera in a chapel, classical and modern music, and a family dance party integrating values of diversity, inclusion, sustainability and reconciliation through education, entertainment, engagement, dialogue and creative activities.

“Tickets for all events are selling fast, especially the world premiere performances of "IAGO" and "Juggling" - see them before they go to Broadway!

“We thank Sunshine Coast Council for their support to bring this unique event to our hinterland communities.”

Funding has also been allocated to support the return of Mooloolaba’s Multicultural Moon Festival in September this year; the refurbishment of the amenities block at Gheerulla Hall; and purchasing of training and playing equipment for Connect Rugby League to encourage participation of all abilities.

Other recipient organisations included Coolum Business and Tourism Incorporated who received $7,500 to deliver a 12-week program to reduce single-use plastic packaging within local tourism, hospitality and retail businesses and empower lasting changes towards a circular economy.

For the full list of recipients visit Council’s website and search ‘Major Grants’. 

Image. The Rangebow Festival. Credit: Sunshine Coast Council