THE Maleny Rangers Football Club must secure $30,000 in external funding by July or risk losing a $350,000 state government grant earmarked for new changerooms and clubhouse upgrades.
While the state has committed to covering 80 per cent of the total cost, the club is required to fund the remaining 20 per cent.
Club president Sam Manger said the Rangers had already contributed $35,000 from their own reserves and initially needed $50,000 to meet the required target. Thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Maleny Apex Club, only $30,000 remains outstanding.
“I am very pleased to say that Maleny APEX Club has donated $20,000 to the clubhouse as of [Wednesday] and we are hugely grateful,” Mr Manger said.
“We are now 90 per cent to target and welcome any local organisations or individuals who could donate to make this project come to fruition.
“We are waiting to hear back from our local federal members MP Andrew Wallace and Councillor Winston Johnston, though nothing has been contributed to date.”
Mr Manger said the upgrades were long overdue.
“The MRFC is desperately in need of clubhouse upgrades,” he said. “It has been 30 years since any improvements were done and our players and community deserve better facilities.
“Without the new changerooms, we are left with two old changerooms for men’s, women’s, kids and home and away teams, so essentially none for referees.”
The committee is working to secure the remaining funds before the July deadline.
“People can donate and we would love that, please contact malenyrangersfc@gmail.com if you want to help,” Mr Manger said.