Eighteen groups share in Gunnedah Shire grants program

Eighteen community organisations and registered charities will share more than $69,000 in funding through Gunnedah Shire Council’s newly revised Small Grants Program.

A total of $69,382.74 has been allocated to successful applicants following endorsement of the assessment panel’s recommendations at council’s October ordinary meeting.

The funding will support a range of projects across the shire, including infrastructure upgrades, bush fire preparedness, accessible facilities and community arts initiatives.

The 18 successful applicants are Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, Gunnedah Workshop Enterprises, Gunnedah Pottery Club, Gunnible Landcare, Poultry Club, Willala Community Hall, Min Min Aboriginal Corporation, Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry/Next Gen Committee, Two Rivers Art Council, Mullaley Public School Parents and Citizens, Gunnedah and Family Children’s Services, Gunnedah Motorcycle Club, Arts Gunnedah, Gunnedah Family Support, Mullaley Improvement Group, Emerald Hill Progress Association and Gunnedah Anglican Church.

Council’s community and social planner Debra Hilton said it was encouraging that 21 applications had been received under the revised program.

“It’s wonderful to see that streamlining the grants program has been successful,” she said.

“The focus of the program is to support projects that will benefit the community and there are lots of great ideas that can now be carried out with the support of Council. These include growing local leadership workshops, lighting to support the maintenance of Westpac Rescue Helicopters, and an International Day of People with Disability event.

“We look forward to seeing these projects delivered in our shire.”

The revised program was developed following a review of council’s original grants arrangements, with the Community and Sports Small Grants, Arts and Cultural Small Grants, and Access Incentive Grants combined into one program.

The move, formalised through a council resolution, was designed to make the application process more accessible and seamless while simplifying administration.

Council held a presentation event for successful Small Grants Program applicants last Wednesday.