Four community organisations in the Hilltops region will benefit from a funding boost under this year’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program, with projects ranging from IT upgrades to refurbishments and new community equipment.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, announced a total of $446,178 for 19 projects across the electorate, saying the program backs “grassroots projects that strengthen the fabric of our communities.”
“Whether it’s new equipment, improved facilities or critical upgrades, these are projects that community groups have identified as priorities, and now they have the support to make them happen,” Cooke said.
Harden Murrumburrah Regional Development Corporation (HRDC) will receive $28,977 to purchase a lockable trailer for transporting chairs and gazebos to community events.
HRDC Community Engagement Manager, Antonia Brown, said the grant was a big win for the Harden-Murrumburrah community.
“Providing gazebos and seating will protect people from extreme weather, heat, rain, and the like,” Antonia said.
“It will allow people that might usually not be able to sit in the hot sun for long periods to attend funerals and other community events, and this will make attending these events a little less stressful for everyone involved.”
According to the 2021 Census, around 35 per cent of the local population is over 60 years of age, with many in this group also forming a large part of the volunteer workforce.
HRDC CEO, Melissa Pinney, said volunteers are essential to the region.
“Most of our community events are organised and run by volunteers and we’re pleased this grant will help the many volunteers in our local area,” Melissa said.
“Having a trailer means volunteers can easily transport chairs and gazebos to outdoor community events where they are needed most, such as funerals, Australia Day, and ANZAC Day.
It will make setup and pack up easier and safer, as well as providing secure storage for the equipment.”
The Young Rugby League Supporters Club will receive $13,933 for a purpose-built equipment trailer to transport gear to and from games and events.
The club says the trailer will be an asset for both home and away fixtures, making it easier for volunteers to manage the equipment needed for training sessions, match days, and community events.
The upgrade is expected to save time, reduce wear on existing gear, and improve overall efficiency during the busy rugby league season.
Carinya Court Incorporation will use its $10,590 grant to complete the refurbishment of Unit 1, a project begun earlier this year.
“We received $10,590 from Steph Cooke’s office for the CBP grant we had applied for, which was wonderful,” said Trish Riles.
“This money went towards finishing off Unit 1, paying for the painting of the unit and all the floor coverings. We will also install a fresh water tank with a tank stand. All work is done by locals, which helps businesses too.
“Steph’s office had already granted us over $22,000 in the last round of grants to start this unit. We replaced the kitchen and bathroom and took out a wall to make the unit roomier with that money. Steph came and had a look at what we’d achieved and was very impressed. We have had a few grants from her which we’ve put to good use.”
Lambing Flat Community Broadcasting will receive $23,118 for vital IT and broadcasting upgrades, as well as the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
“Our computers are too old to run new operating systems, so this is a necessary upgrade,” said president Graham Holland.
“We’re extremely appreciative to the government and to Steph for her support in getting us across the line. As a community radio station, we’re not the most affluent organisation, so this grant is a real boost. The AED is also an important addition, it’s something every business should have.”
Cooke said she looked forward to seeing all the successful projects take shape over the coming year, noting that each would contribute to stronger, more connected communities.