It was a great day for local not-for-profit organisations and community groups from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, after they were successful in applying for $107,000 in grants on November 1.
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The successful groups were recipients of funds as part of the first round of Council’s Community Grants program for 2017/2018, providing a much needed boost to a broad variety of extremely worthy community initiatives, according to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council mayor Peta Pinson.
“The many local fundraisers, community events, Christmas celebrations and community hall maintenance programs would simply not happen without the dedication and support of our local community groups,” Mrs Pinson said.
“Council recognises the significance of what these groups do for their local communities.
“Their contribution to building an inclusive, vibrant and connected local community is a real credit to them all, and the community grants program is a great opportunity for Council to thank and reward those that work tirelessly in making our community a better place to live,” she said.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council grants officer Paul Koch said they were very impressed with all the applications put forward during this round of funding.
“The quality of grant applications put forward were of a very high standard,” Mr Koch said.
Of the 33 groups that applied for funds, 24 were successful, including the Friends of Kooloonbung Creek who secured $5,000 for weed management, and according to Rex Moir, the money is much appreciated.
“The Friends of Kooloonbung Creek have always been lucky to have continuing council support, but the money we have received this time will specifically go towards managing weeds which are detrimental to koalas in the area,” Mr Moir said.
“With the money we can now clear weeds from vital habitats in the Kooloonbung Creek region.”
Bruce Thompson from the Port Macquarie Lions club said that their club was also fortunate to receive funding for new shelves.
We received $2,400 for some much needed shelves in our storeroom so we can store equipment, so we are very happy that our application was successful,” Mr Thompson said.
General grants totalling $24,714 were allocated to:
Catholic Parish of St. Agnes - #LitFest2444 - $10,000
Early Connections Port Macquarie - Shade cloth $1,650
Hastings Valley Mountain Bikers - Signage $1,048
Port Macquarie Lions Club - New shelving $2,466
Hamilton Green Management Group - Signage $3,740
Port Macquarie Tennis Club - Protective padding $1,679
Riding for the Disabled (Kendall) - Protective gear $2,099
Wauchope Poultry Club - Exhibition equipment $2,032
Non-Council-Owned Halls grants totalling $18,500 were allocated to:
Byabarra Hall and Recreational Reserve Trust - Toilet upgrade $9,550
Rollands Plains Recreational Reserve Trust - Disabled Access $8,950
Christmas & New Year’s Events received grants totalling $19,605 allocated to:
Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre Christmas event $650
Wauchope Chamber of Commerce Christmas event $4,500
Beechwood Public School P&C Christmas event $3,788
Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce Christmas event $5,000
Telegraph Point Community Association Christmas event $1000
Byabarra Hall Recreational Reserve Trust Christmas event $987
Lake Cathie Bonny Hills Lions Club Christmas event $2,430
Kendall Heritage Society Christmas event $1,250
Environmental grants totalling $15,000 were allocated to:
Port Macquarie Landcare Group - Environmental Activities $10,000
Friends of Kooloonbung Creek - Weed Management $5,000
Band grants totalling $29,189 were allocated to:
Port Macquarie Hastings Municipal Band $10,000
Camden Haven Community Band $7,100
Hastings Koalas Orchestra Band $4,865
Hastings District Pipe Band $7,224
Round 2 of Council’s Community Grants Program will open for application in early 2018.
