STRONGER COMMUNITIES GRANTS – DEADLINE EXTENDED
Hawkesbury community groups have been given an extra week to put their hand up for the latest round of federal funding, with the deadline now Thursday 10th August.
Federal member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, says applications are coming in, but she wants to give some groups a bit more time to submit their formal expression of interest for the Stronger Communities Grant Programme – Round 3.
“Community organisations and local governments can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects that improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities, “ Ms Templeman said.
Members of Parliament are given the task of consulting with the community and nominating eligible projects with the help of an independent panel.
“The Hawkesbury is rich with community groups and organisations that contribute to our sporting life and cultural activities, provide services for those in need, and generally foster a sense of community,” she said.
Previous recipients include Hawkesbury Sports Council, North West Disability Services, Macquarie Towns Orchestra, and Hawkesbury Riding Club. Bligh Park OOSH (Out of School Hours) previously received a grant to replace the soft fall area in their playground.
“The grant is a great initiative and the application process was easily accessible and understandable,” Catherine Murphy, Manager of Bligh Park Community Services said.
“As a not-for profit service we keep our costs as low as possible for parents. It can be very challenging to find the funds when we need major repairs and maintenance. This grant has allowed our children to enjoy being outside in a safe and ‘kid friendly’ environment and they are thriving. I’d encourage all local not-for-profit services to utilise this opportunity.”
Richmond Girl Guides also previously received a grant to upgrade their facilities.
“The stronger communities grant program is essential in helping out community organisations like ourselves,” said Christine Smallwood, District Manager for Richmond Girl Guides
“It gives us the opportunity to upgrade our facilities and equipment so that we can continue to service the Hawkesbury community. Without this support of such grants, our facilities become run down and ultimately impacts the quality of the services we can provide.”
Ms Templeman said there were plenty of ideas and energy to make the community more vibrant and inclusive.
“These groups deserve all the help they can get. Many volunteer hours go into our community organisations, but sometimes a little injection of funds can go a long way to realising a project.”
“If you look at the groups that have benefited in the past, you can see the difference a grant like this can make.”
Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000, and the Stronger Communities grant can provide up to half of the total project cost. Projects need to be scheduled for completion by 30 June 2018 and must have a plan and budget for how they will be carried out. Details regarding eligibility can be found at www.business.gov.au/SCP.
The closing dates for Expression of Interest has been extended until Thursday 10th August, and submissions can be made at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/strongermacquarie.
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