BILLIMARI AND GREENETHORPE TO BENEFIT FROM FURTHER DROUGHT FUNDING: McCORMACK

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says Billimari and Greenethorpe will share in nearly $1.5 million in funding to further assist small communities through the drought.

The Federal Government funding has been provided under Round 16 of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together program.

Mr McCormack said rural and regional Australia is continuing to show amazing spirit and resilience as they support each other through these tough times.

“Large parts of regional Australia have received some good rainfall over the past few months, with many farmers having the best start to the winter sowing season in years, but the drought is far from over,” Mr McCormack said.

“We are absolutely committed to standing side by side with these hard-working communities – whether it’s through drought, the recent bushfires or the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am glad to see these grants providing much-needed support to our hard-hit regional communities at such a crucial time, with this latest round of funding to be delivered to community groups.”

Some $58,677 will go towards a $59,456 upgrade of the kitchen at Billimari Hall, which will increase safety and amenity for local community events and meetings.

Uniting Church Australia Greenethorpe will receive $57,950 towards a $79,145 project to increase opportunities for the community to connect and support each other as well as express themselves through the arts through a series of workshops.

“The Government is delivering on its $15 million commitment to FRRR’s Tackling Tough Times Together program as part of the more than $8 billion in drought assistance to date,” Mr McCormack said.

“Some other projects in the Riverina and Central West which have received funding under this program include a $60,000 grant towards an 11-seat mini bus for the Trundle community to support educational participation for children in more remote communities and $45,377 towards the Police Citizens and Youth Club’s Outreach program purchasing a mobile cinema and trailer to be used in towns including Cowra, Greenethorpe, Grenfell, Quandialla and West Wyalong.”

More information on the $15 million Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs