21 Community groups receive funding via the Community Grants Program

Published on 16 December 2024

Kempsey Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful delivery of the 2024-25 Community Grants Program.

The first round of the 2024-25 Community Grants Program was a success with 31 applications received. The total funding requested within the six categories totalled $58,133.85. Of these, 21 organisations were determined to have successfully met the Community Grant Program’s eligibility criteria.

The Community Grants Program applies an overarching framework, using the principles as outlined by the Australian Institute of Grants Management to provide funding from Council to community groups and organisations.

Mayor Kinne Ring said the funding recommendations, determined through a rigorous and competitive application process, reflect adherence to the eligibility criteria set by the Community Grants Program.

"The Community Grants Program is designed to enhance community capacity and empower groups to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our region,” said Cr King.

“By fostering skills and confidence in grant writing, we enable these groups to secure additional funding from other sources in the future. The volunteer efforts of these groups not only directly benefit the community but also alleviate the resources Council might otherwise allocate for specific projects."

The breakdown of the funding allocation is as follows:

Community Projects Fund (Total $21,710.00)

$5,000.00 for Rotary Club of South West Rocks: Generator and PA system
$1,500.00 for CWA South West Rocks: New oven and cupboard
$2,420.00 for CWA Kempsey: Modified disability access to building
$2,000.00 for Kempsey Families Inc: Materials for Love Bites Program
$4,650.00 for Kempsey Tennis Club Inc: Indigenous Tennis Camp
$1,140.00 for Kempsey Pensioners League Inc: Block out blinds for hall
$5,000.00 for South West Rocks Maritime Precinct Inc: Security Screens

Environmental Fund (Total $20,000.00)

$4,775.00 for South West Rocks Community Dune Care Group Inc: Restoration of Littoral Rainforest at Back Creek
$4,775.00 for Stuarts Point and Districts Community Organisation (SPADCO): Grassy Head dune weeding
$4,775.00 for Hat Head Dune Care: Eradicating weeds on Hat Head Dunes
$900.00 for Save Our Macleay River: Water monitoring kits
$4,775.00 for Big Nobby Bush Care Group: Rehabilitation of Big Nobby Headland

Sporting Fund (Total $9,923.85)

$2,500.00 for South West Rocks Dragon Boat Club Inc: Purchase of second-hand Dragon Boat
$2,316.95 for Macleay Valley Mountain Bike Club: Maintenance equipment & noticeboard
$1,606.90 for Macleay Pickleball Inc: Equipment for Junior Development Program
$1,000.00 for Willawarrin & District Horse and Pony Club: Upgraded sporting equipment
$2,500.00 for Kempsey Rugby Union Football Club: New toilet doors in Clubhouse

Creative Macleay Fund (Total $5,000.00)

$5,000.00 for Kempsey Eisteddfod Society: Portable stage extension

Festive Micro Grant (Total $1,000.00)

$500.00 for Willawarrin Hall Committee: Festive event for all of community
$500.00 for Kempsey East P&C Association: End of year community event at school

Seniors Festival Micro Grant (Total $500.00)

$500.00 for Gladstone CWA Evening Branch: Intergenerational Read at Crescent Head School

The 2024-25 Community Grants Program highlights Kempsey Shire Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and empowered community. By supporting initiatives across diverse sectors, from environmental restoration to creative arts and sporting excellence, this funding enables local groups to make meaningful contributions that enrich our region. Council congratulates all recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects positively impact the community in the months ahead.

This is a news update from Kempsey Shire Council. The information is correct at the time of publication.