Kate says she’ll be focused on helping groups identify how to turn priorities into activities, how to prepare documents, how to manage budgets and what’s needed to ensure successful delivery of a project.

“To be able to help community centres and community groups and contribute to the growth of the region, I couldn’t pass it up,” she said.

Murilla Community Centre’s Cecily Brockhurst said having access to someone with Kate’s experience and expertise was a huge positive. “The need for a grants writer came out of community discussions with Shell’s QGC business and it’s great to see them listen and work with us to respond to that need,” Cecily said. “Staff working at the community centres, across the Chinchilla, Tara and Miles area, have been working at capacity for some time. We are looking forward to having the support of a knowledgeable and experienced professional as we continue to endeavor to meet the needs of members of the community. “Community groups are made up of volunteers who often times aren’t sure where to start when looking to access funding to support their project. To have Kate available to help build up that capacity is a real win for our region.”