DELIVERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES FOR THE RIVERINA AND CENTRAL WEST
Eligible community groups and organisations across the Riverina and Central West are being urged to apply for a share in $150,000 through Round 6 of the highly successful Stronger Communities Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the programme had delivered many small but important local projects across the electorate over its first five rounds.
“Regional communities have been hit with drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic , but we are a resilient bunch,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Stronger Communities Programme has always been about supporting those smaller communities and it is now more important than ever that this popular funding stream has been made available so our towns can continue to grow and thrive despite significant headwinds.
“Successful applicants in the past include funding for an upgrade of the showground pavilion at Tullamore, building modifications for disability access at Currajong, Parkes, an upgrade to the Yerong Creek Hall, a Yarri Park Youth Warrior trail at Gundagai and an artificial cricket pitch and nets upgrade at Henry Lawson Oval at Grenfell.
“This type of investment in our communities brings people together by strengthening social connections and building community participation.
“I urge all eligible Riverina and Central West organisations to submit an expression of interest.”
Expressions of Interest are open until 19 February 2021. A consultation committee will help Mr McCormack assess those who express interest. Organisations intending on submitting an application need to first submit an expression of interest by this date.
Round 6 of the programme will continue to support Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For this special round, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for Local Government councils, where funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. For this special round “in kind” expenditure is not eligible expenditure.
Expressions of interest should include a short description of the project, total cost, details of matching funding (for councils), why the project is important to the community and contact details.
Expressions of Interest forms can be requested by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au, by contacting the Wagga Wagga electorate office on 6921 4600 or clicking here.
After the expression of interest period, Mr McCormack will officially invite the successful proponents
to submit an application. A maximum of 20 projects will be funded across the electorate. Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications.
All applicants must have an ABN and be an incorporated entity.
For further information, including the eligibility requirements, potential applicants should call the Wagga Wagga electorate office.
Fast facts:
• Stronger Communities Programme designed to fund local projects to build social and community connections.
• Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000.
• Interested parties must submit an Expression of Interest by 19 February to be considered by a consultation committee.
• Each electorate will receive $150,000 to allocate towards successful projects, with a maximum of 20 projects to be funded per electorate.
• The first five rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme have delivered $750,000 for small infrastructure projects throughout the Riverina and Central West.