Thirteen community groups in the Parkes Electorate will share in $120,000, and over $65,000 of grant funding has been provided to thirty-four organisations in the New England electorate, each ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, to undertake a range of projects to build community engagement and participation.
The Australian Government Volunteer Grants Program provides funding for organisations that increase participation in volunteering and focus on the inclusion of vulnerable people, and is an important source of small grant funding for small local groups who do so much for our communities.
“Whether it’s volunteering with Meals on Wheels, helping in the canteen at the junior soccer or responding to emergencies with the State Emergency Service, our volunteers play an important role in our communities,” Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.
“There are three types of people in this world, the ones that throw rubbish out a car window, those that complain about those that throw rubbish out the car window and there are those that pick it up.”
“This program supports those special people in our community that pick it up,” he said.
Federal Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, said these worthwhile projects would be awarded funding towards initiatives as diverse as Indigenous-themed rugby uniforms through to a disability access toilet at the Mendooran Showground.
“The Stronger Communities Programme is a very important programme that allocates funds to worthy projects with social benefits in each federal electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.
Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Corporation chief executive officer, Narelle Hall, said the organisation was grateful for the allocation of the Strong Communities Program Round 9 grant and supported the initiative.
“This grant enabled the Tullibigeal Lake United Rugby League Team to wear their Indigenous-designed uniforms, showing pride, unity, and strengthened cultural identity,” she said.
“It is building strong connections with the club and community, and showcasing our club in the Group 20 Comp.”
The successful applicants from New England in the Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 are:
- Oxley Community Transport Service Inc
- St Johns Ambulance Tamworth
- Northwest Mountain Bikers
- Huskies Baseball Club Incorporated
- City of Tamworth Eisteddfod
- Inverell Saints Football Club
- Inverell Show Society
- Inverell Showground Land Manager
- Inverell Rugby Club Inc
- Armidale District Baptist Church
- St Mark’s UNE Church
- Armidale Rams Rugby League Football Club Incorporated
- New England Garden Festival Inc.
- Armidale City Westside Football Club Incorp
- Friends of McMaugh Gardens Inc.
- Bundarra Pony Club
- Uralla Historical Society Inc.
- Tablelands Community Media Inc.
- Glen Innes Oasis Community Garden
- Emmaville Mining Museum
- Glen Innes Highlands Coffee and Craft
- Drake Village Resource Centre
- Mingoola Rural Fire Brigade
- Torrington Memorial Hall Inc.
- Tenterfield Showground Land Managers
- Drake Village Womens Shed
- Hunter Fighter Collection Inc.
- Werris Creek Rugby League Football Club
- Quirindi Rural Heritage Village Inc.
- Walcha Show Society
- Riding for the Disabled Assoc (NSW) Tamworth Centre
- Kootingal Moonbi Rugby League Football Club
- Anglican Parish of Cockburn Valley
- Woolbrook Stampede
The successful applicants from Parkes in the Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 are:
- The Girls Brigade NSW Inc
- Silver City Roller Skating Club
- Warrumbungle Shire Council
- Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group
- Outback Arts Incorporated
- Mendooran P.A. & H. Association
- Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Camp Cypress Limited
- Walan-Mayiny Aboriginal Corporation
- Orana Support Service Incorporated
- Baradine and District Progress Association Inc
- Gulargambone Community Enterprises Co-operative Limited
- SA Little Athletics Association Inc
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now