There were all representatives of six local groups who will share in $17,000 of funding from Council’s Community Grants Round 2 announced at the meeting.

The four-legged friend was PD Flynn – one of three police dogs based in Mount Isa – with his handler Sergeant Michael Silman and other members of the Queensland Police Service.

They got $4000 for their “PD Sarge” project that will use a police dog mascot to assist their adopt-a-cop schools program to deliver personal safety messages to young children who are the most vulnerable community members.

The babies present were with representatives of Happy Valley Community Kindergarten which got $675.47 for materials towards garden and soft fall rejuvenation, materials which will provide interactive learning and play-based approach to youngsters learning to grow plants.

The Queensland Country Women’s Association Copper City Branch got $5000 to create a new community garden at the back of the hall on Isa Street.

The QCWA members present brought along a plan of the garden which they hope will be a shared community space available to everyone in the community.

Island BMX Club got $1800 for a pro-gate compressor which will bring the venue up to standard for its starting gate at each race.

The Mount Isa Race Club got $5000 to buy a new water truck as the old water truck is no longer operational.

Mount Isa Landcare Group got $750 towards its weed identification booklet aimed at raising awareness about urban and rural weeds and waste management.

Mayor Joyce McCulloch said many organisations nominated for this round.

“I’m proud of the way we distribute these grants and it’s a very fair process,” she said.

“Grant writing is not easy and we work hard with community organisations to ensure they understand the process.”