Four Jimboomba community groups received an early Christmas gift in 2022 courtesy of Riverton by AVJennings' Community Grants Program.

At Riverton we believe local groups and organisations are integral to the fabric of our community. With this in mind, we established our Community Grants Program with the aim of reinforcing our support for the significant work these groups undertake within the Jimboomba community.

We are thrilled to announce the successful recipients of the 2022 program and the fantastic projects this funding will go towards.

Jimboomba Redbacks AFC
A family orientated AFL club aiming to provide an environment of fun, enjoyment, belonging and friendship for all ages, whilst fostering an atmosphere of learning, skill development, team work and competition at all levels in accredited AFL leagues. Affected by floods in 2022, Jimboomba Redbacks used their grant to replace badly damaged goal post pads. 

Jimboomba Cricket Club
A family friendly club committed to delivering benefit and value for the wider community. Their passion for cricket allows the club to provide a healthy and safe environment which caters to the sporting and social needs of our community. The club runs junior blasters programs for ages 5-7, junior competition for ages 6-16, and senior competition for 16+. The oldest playing member is 76 years young! Jimboomba Cricket Club has used their grant to acquire a Super Sopper Absorbent roller machine to clear the water on the field and have members back playing faster.

Jimboomba and Districts Cadets
A youth community army cadet program for children aged 7-17 years old.  The cadets participate in a range of lessons, and activities that promote the ideals of the army, ranks and structures, self discipline, team work and first aid and bush craft skills. Jimboomba and Districts Cadets used their grant to assist in purchasing additional training equipment as well as formal uniforms for the drill team cadets who represent organisations at commemorative occasions. 

Defenders For Hope
A charity run by volunteers to support those in our community effected by Domestic Violence and Homelessness. Defenders for Hope used their grant to purchase a new fridge and freezer to help set up a Foodbank in Jimboomba.

Defenders for Hope director Tomeeka Smith said the new equipment would help the charity meet an expected increase in demand as cost of living pressures mount.

"We are currently helping about 45 people per week, and we expect that number to increase due to the stress and expense of the Christmas holidays, so this funding has come at the perfect time," she said.

"While Christmas is a wonderful time of year, there are many people who find it difficult. About 40 per cent of our clients have come to us after escaping domestic violence, and need our help to feed children while they get back on their feet.

"We also assist many people who are homeless, including people who are transitioning between homes or are trying to find a place to rent."

The charity currently offers free hampers to seniors every Thursday, and any member of the community is welcome to purchase a discounted hamper or shop at the food bank.

AVJennings' Community Grants Program at Riverton is designed to further build a sense of community in the Jimboomba area. Organisations like these are an integral part of Jimboomba - they provide much needed support and bring people together, to foster a sense of belonging. Riverton is pleased to play a part in helping these groups realise their potential and look forward to extending this support to similar groups in the future.

Applications for the next round of community grants will open soon. Click here to learn more about Riverton's Community Grants Program.

Pictured: AVJennings Project Marketing Manager with Tomeeka and Kathy from Defenders for Hope.