$150,000 in federal funding for projects in the New England is up for grabs in the latest round of Stronger Communities grants.
Grant recipients will be covered for up to 100 per cent of project costs under Round 8 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme. The long running initiative provides $22.7 million to fund small capital projects in each of the 151 federal electorates. Projects are selected by Members of Parliament and their community consultation committees, and are then submitted to the Government for assessment.
Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said local groups interested in accessing the grants need to hurry as expressions of interest close by 10 March 2023.
“It is important that we fund not only the big infrastructure projects but the smaller ones too because local organisations are vital to the fabric of our local communities here in the New England,” Mr Joyce said.
Successful recipients from the last round of Stronger Communities which included building upgrades for St Vincent De Paul at Werris Creek, a first aid defibrillator for Currabubula Pony Club, wheelchair access for the Yarrowitch Community Hall, a power generator for Inverell Community Radio, solar at the Wongwibinda Community Hall, sideline bench seats for the Kootingal/Moonbi Rugby League Club, and repairs to the BBQ shed for the Tenterfield Show Society.
A maximum of 20 projects will be funded in the New England electorate, with successful applicants receiving a grant between $2,500 and $20,000. The maximum cost cannot exceed $50,000, and project completion will need to occur after 1 August 2023 and by 31 December 2023.
For this round grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
To register your interest in applying for a grant, visit barnabyjoyce.com.au and download an Expression of Interest Form or call the office on 02 6761 3080.
Expression of Interest Forms must be lodged to Mr Joyce’s office by Friday 10 March 2023.
Have something to say about this story? Submit your own opinion piece, or quick word, to The Net.