Queenstown Lakes District community and charitable groups have only days left to apply for funding from SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 28 July.

Trust Chairperson Mary Stamers-Smith urges groups to get their applications in before the closing date.

"We're interested in receiving applications from groups that provide care, treatment and counselling in the community, as well as projects promoting the arts, culture and tourism," she says.

"Applications of all sizes are welcome. We're looking to support projects that make a positive tangible difference to the community."

Successful applicants are expected to be notified around September 2006, with grants being allocated soon after and celebrated at a cocktail function.

Over the last three years, the Trust has distributed over $450,000 to organisations and community groups in the Queenstown Lakes District Council area.

Highlights in last year's funding round included: essential training for the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade with a $9,850 grant; $25,000 towards the 2006 Queenstown Winter Festival; $1,352 worth of resources and therapeutic tools for the Families First Trust who provide a free counselling and support services to children, young people and families; and $4,000 to the Wakatipu Trails Trust to provide a trails map for visitors to the world-class walking and cycling trails.

Funding by SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust will continue each year with applications sought every June. For more information refer to www.skycityqueenstown.co.nz .

ENDS

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