More than $25,000 in funding recommended by Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman will go towards two projects for an area of the Hawkesbury devastated in the Black Summer bushfires.

The Kurrajong Heights Bowling and Recreation Club has received $19,400 to install a new air conditioning system, while $6,000 will go to Bilpin Shed to establish a community garden on the club grounds.

“These two projects are practical and needed and will continue to help provide a comfortable and welcoming place for this close-knit community to come together, which is so important after the huge impact of the 2019/20 bushfires,” Ms Templeman said.

“While both these grants were recommended by me months ago after stringent assessment by my community independent panel, I was particularly pleased with the outcome after learning the area largely missed out on funding through the Australian Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) fund this week, which was disappointing.

“The club’s had no air conditioning for some time, and this new funding will help decommission and remove the old system, and install a new one.

“Having the air conditioning installed will make for a much better environment for the community who hold many meetings at the club.

“Bilpin Shed will use its money to establish a 30m by 60m community garden within the club grounds for use by those living in the surrounding area, and I’ve been pleased to see the progress in recent weeks.

“The garden will give people the opportunity to propagate, grow and share organic food crops in raised beds, allowing access for disabled and elderly people and encouraging people to connect with those around them.”

The funding was recommended under the latest round of the Stronger Communities grants. Other Hawkesbury groups that received funding included:

• St Albans School of Arts Hall – $16,000 for a hybrid solar system for clean energy production;
• Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band - $3,200 for new drum stands to be used by junior members;
• Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury Inc – $5,000 for a yarning circle and bush tucker garden;
• St John Ambulance Hawkesbury Division - $4,400 for replacement of a roller door at its Hawkesbury Showground premises;
• Hawkesbury Hornets BMX Club - $15,000 for provision of a new start gate in anticipation of hosting the state championships;
• Hawkesbury City Netball Association - $20,000 undercover sheltered area for Mileham Street netball courts;
• Bligh Park Community Services - $20,000 for a building upgrade.

But with nearly $1 million in applications rolling in from Hawkesbury and