Grants success and more open

Fresh from the State Budget confirmation last month that the $44 million upgrade of the Kulpara to Arthurton road is now set to commence, I was equally pleased the electorate is to receive $382,700 for courts resurfacing projects from the Power of Her sport infrastructure fund - $250,000 for Cougars Netball Club at Maitland and $132,700 to resurface courts at Lochiel Recreation Reserve.

This is amazing news, especially for the relieved Cougars netballers who have had three funding applications unsuccessful since 2021 and their courts had deteriorated to being unplayable at the start of this year. Congratulations President Sam Holmes and dedicated fellow club members on your perseverance which has now finally been rewarded.

Other recent successes have included $10,709 for Fisherman’s Bay Progress Association from the “Autism Works in the Community” grants program; a new CFS truck for Port Broughton; and $1.5 million for Wakefield Regional Council’s “Celebrating Port Wakefield’s Cultural Connection” project (Indigenous art trail, revamped tidal pool and foreshore, town centre plaza, adventure play space, access bridge, streetscaping, and footpaths).

Currently open grants

There are multiple grant programs currently open (or soon to open), and I encourage a visit to my office or to the grants tab of this website for further information. Below is a sample of programs on offer:

• Regional Capability Community Fund Round 3: reimburses $200-$3,000 to farmers and farming businesses who purchase equipment for their Farm Fire Units
• Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants: $2,500-$50,000 for businesses to purchase energy efficient equipment or make improvements that reduce energy usage/cost
• Experience Nature Tourism Fund: $10,000-$50,000 for regional tourism businesses looking to create new nature-based tourism products or experiences in or near a National Park, reserve, wilderness protection area or marine park
• Regional Arts Fund: up to $30,000 available for organisations with high-quality arts projects deemed to benefit regional or remote artists, arts workers, audiences and communities
• Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants: up to $10,000 for community-based projects and activities that focus on the service and sacrifice of local RSL/servicemen and women.
• Strengthening Rural Communities: up to $10,000 for small regional community projects
• Sports Vouchers Program: $100 vouchers for Reception to Year 9 students to help with costs to play sport, do dance/music, learn to swim lessons or scouts/guides participation.
• Digital Donation Program: offering community groups the opportunity to be given surplus government computers and laptops (opens 5 August)