A CHAT WITH WYNNUM MANLY LEAGUES CLUB CEO, CRAIG THOMAS
How long have the Community Grants been in operation at Wynnum Manly Leagues Club?
This year marks the 6th annual formal Community Grants released to the Wynnum Manly bayside area, which will also see a milestone achieved with over quarter of a million given back to organisations through this grants scheme. To date, since 1997, the club has been able to contribute over $17 million back into the community.
Why did you deem the three areas of support to be so important?
Our current community grant structure is made up of rugby league, non-profit organisations as our second component, and then the sponsorship arm for smaller items no greater than $500.
Rugby league is our business and passion. Being home to the Wynnum Manly Seagulls we support rugby league from grassroots right through to seniors. Our local schools invest a lot of time into teaching the skills of rugby league, and we decided this was an opportunity to support them with costs of uniforms, football equipment and the support of the Seagulls players in running sports days. The not-for-profit organisations are also an essential part of our bayside and give so much back into it. It’s important to keep them viable in our community.
What are the notable outcomes this program achieved from the club’s support?
It has allowed organisations to continue to support the bayside community through the valued services they provide. In rugby league, we have seen the growth of players from juniors through to the NRL.
How does the future look for Community Grants?
We will enhance our strong community linkages and seek to elevate the community partnership that we hold within the bayside area. Our commitment to funding and supporting the Seagulls, junior sport, and general community causes remain our key priorities.
