From rescuing wildlife to filling pantries, the inaugural Flourish Community Grants are championing local groups who are making a difference across Logan’s south.
Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said over $500,000 in Community Grants had been shared amongst more than 150 community groups across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia since the program was established in 2009.
“For the first time, we have awarded $10,000 in grants to three community organisations whose work strengthens South Maclean and the surrounding areas,” Mr Britton said. “We’re proud to give back and thank those who support our Flourish residents to feel at home in a community that makes a difference.”
Logan Wildlife Association (LWA) President, Chris Gauthier said the group had received $2,500 to invest in equipment to facilitate animal rescues and transport to wildlife hospitals.
“The Flourish Community Grant will allow our organisation to purchase koala transportation crates, veterinary scales and other equipment which will help us facilitate the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife,” he said.
Mr Gauthier said the LWA was founded by local wildlife advocates in 2023 with a purpose of establishing a dedicated wildlife hospital in the Logan area. In the interim, it is providing a haven for sick, injured, and orphaned animals.
“This grant provides further avenues for our organisation to support the animals that come through our network, and we are grateful to Cedar Woods for this critical funding which allows us to continue and expand our work,” he said.
Onwards & Upwards Director, Tammy Cinzio said their program, also known as Flagstone Foodshare, would receive $3,750 to provide food hampers and fuel vouchers to people in need.
“This grant will cover the cost of our food hampers for people in emergency situations, providing them with a week’s worth of food and a voucher for five free clothing items from our op-shop,” Ms Cinzio said.
"A portion of the funds will also go towards fuel vouchers, which we’ve always wanted to give out on a regular basis but haven’t been able to afford.”
Established in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by two families helping their community, Onwards & Upwards’ food hampers provide groceries to an average of 60 families each week within South Maclean, North Maclean, Jimboomba, Flagstone areas and beyond.
“You don’t have to be in a difficult place for a long time for financial hardship to suddenly fall upon you, and that’s when we’re here to help relieve some of that financial pressure, no matter what you’re going through,” Ms Cinzio said.
“The generosity of Cedar Woods allows us to provide these items to those in need without the organisation absorbing the cost, so it’s a major relief for us too.”
Impact Care Services will also receive $3,750 to go towards supporting local mental health services under the Flourish Community Grants program.
Based in Slacks Creek and Jimboomba, Impact Care Services plays a vital role in the community by providing support for individuals navigating mental health challenges and family transitions through affordable groceries, emergency food relief, paid traineeships and more.
Mr Britton said Flourish was home to a growing number of families and the grants program reflected the values at the heart of Cedar Woods’ award-winning approach to building vibrant communities.
“Flourish maintains strong ties with the wider South Maclean community, and we’re proud to design spaces where people can gather and live in harmony with the natural environment,” he said.
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