Communities are awash with funding opportunities

From desk of the Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson:

G’day Gunnedah and thank you again for supporting the Gunnedah Times. It’s a great newspaper and I trust you enjoy getting your weekly copy as much as I do.

The NSW government has been busy these past few months opening funding opportunities for councils, not-for-profits, and community groups to ensure we are able to support the many initiatives and projects that are so important to regional communities.

In my view, creating grant opportunities and setting aside funding for grass-roots community projects is one of the most important roles of government.

The funding recognises the dedication and hard work of volunteers who go above and beyond to build and support the community in which they live.

Community groups are vital to the cultural and social make-up of regional towns and villages.

I dread to think where we would be without organisations like the Carroll Progress Association, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, sport club committees, the show society and many, many more.

It’s important that the government continues to provide these groups with the financial backing they need to continue to support Gunnedah and make it a great place to live and raise a family.

The Community Building Partnerships program is a hugely popular and competitive program, and I would encourage any community group to keep it on their radar for when it rolls around again next year.

I eagerly await this year’s list of successful recipients later in the year.

Clubgrants is another one that directly invests in important infrastructure for communities.

This program invests funding in the projects that matter to communities – be they sports infrastructure, arts and culture infrastructure or to support disaster readiness.

Applications have just closed for the latest round but will re-open in October so now is the time to get the ducks in a row.

The Crown Land Improvement Fund is one I am particularly proud of. Facilities like the Gunnedah Jockey Club and the Gunnedah Showground sit on Crown Lands and are managed by dedicated volunteer organisations. This fund invests in the vision our Crown Land Managers have for the land and facilities they manage.

All these grant opportunities require preparation, and it is the hard work and commitment of community groups and organisations that get them across the line.

If you had a community project that you think is ready for funding, now is the time to start preparing quotes, letter of support and detailed information to make sure you’re ready for the next round of funding.