The Federal Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan, says upgrading sporting facilities, purchasing of equipment and improvements to public spaces including bike paths could be targeted following the opening of round 6 of the Stronger Communities Program funding.
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Applications are now open for the program that provides up to $150,000 for eligible small capital projects in the Cowper electorate.
Mr Conaghan said the projects aim to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.
"A maximum of 20 projects will be funded in Cowper," he said.
"The funding is for small capital works or capital expenditure projects which are able to be completed by 31 December 2021.
"These could include, upgrades to sporting facilities; fit-out, alterations and extensions to existing premises and community spaces; purchase of equipment including motor vehicles, kitchen and office equipment, sporting equipment that remains the property of the organisation; or, improvements to public spaces such as bike paths, parks and community gardens."
Macksville-Scotts Head Surf Life Saving Club received $11,500 under round 5 of the Stronger Communities Program, which it matched on a dollar for dollar basis.
The club purchased a new all-terrain vehicle, a new Evinrude outboard motor for its IRB, replacement garage doors for the clubhouse, nipper soft boards for training and competition, rescue boards and benchtops and drawers for the first aid room.
Boat captain Michael Coulter says all the purchased equipment is rescue/lifesaving related while the new garage doors will secure club equipment.
"The club has previously received grant funding from the Federal Government," Mr Coulter said.
"We will certainly be taking advantage of whatever grant funding programs are available. Applying for these grants is more cost/time effective than the other fundraising programs we undertake.
"Our club, like most across regional NSW, could do with more active members. However, we have always had a reasonably strong surf boat rowing fraternity and a reasonably strong Nippers program."
The boat captain said the club's executive has always prided itself on making the Club facilities available for community use.
"It is the de-facto public hall for Scotts Head and is used for charity fundraisers, weddings, for exercise classes for seniors and for meetings by the Council and other groups and organisations," he added.
Applications are now open for round 6 of the Stronger Communities Program. Expressions of Interest should be returned to Pat Conaghan's office no later than COB, Friday 19 February, 2021.
More information on the funding is available at https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme#key-documents
An online enquiry form and web chat are available or phone 13 28 46 Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.