More than 70 Brisbane community clubs are set to share in almost $500,000 under the second round of the Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs Grants.
This latest round of 72 grants brings the program’s total investment to more than $980,000 since its launch, with 141 local organisations now supported to install new security systems, CCTV cameras and lighting upgrades to make their facilities safer.
“These grants are about backing our local community and sporting clubs, because they play such an important role in bringing people together,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“When those clubs are targeted by vandalism or break-ins, it doesn’t just cost money, it means the community misses out.
“Installing CCTV, new locks and better lighting may seem like small steps, but together, they make a big difference in deterring crime and protecting the places where our communities connect.
“Through our Safer Suburbs Grants, we’re helping volunteers and clubs focus on what they do best – supporting residents and creating more to see and do in our suburbs.”
The program was first announced in the 2024 Election to address reports of vandalism and crime at Council facilities and offered grants of up to $10,000 to implement simple but effective safety solutions.
This year, successful recipients include:
- Toombul Cricket Club, who will streamline the locks across their clubhouse, groundskeeping sheds and changerooms to limit access and improve security.
- Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club at Calamvale, who will be installing CCTV cameras to deter vandalism.
- Yeronga Eagles Football Club at Lyshon Park, which has faced recurring vandalism, illegal dumping and break-ins and will put the grant towards installing CCTV to improve safety for members and neighbouring clubs.
- Brothers Rugby Club at Albion, which will enhance CCTV systems for peace of mind for members arriving early or leaving late.
The Council says it has continued to boost suburban safety through the deployment of mobile and fixed CCTV cameras as part of the Suburban Safety Cameras program.
Fixed cameras have been installed at 10 locations across the suburbs, with a further 26 cameras mobile rolled out – one for each Brisbane City Council ward.
These mobile cameras can move across the suburb based on feedback from the police, the community and Council security experts.
“We’re so grateful to receive one of the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburb Grants. It’ll make a big difference to security at our club,” said Toombul District Cricket Club President, Andrew Cranstoun.
“Over the years, we’ve had our fair share of break-ins and vandalism, but thanks to this funding we can finally replace all the locks and make our facilities much more secure.
“Our club’s been part of this community since 1882 and keeping our grounds safe means we can spend less time fixing damage and more time playing the game we love.”
With the second year of grant funding delivered as promised, future funding will be assessed based on community demand.
