Major money drop for local projects

SIX Upper Hunter community groups have received a share of $41,156 under the latest round of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre will use its $19,000 share to build a Community Laundry, with Manager Lee Watts announcing the project development is now underway, after officially receiving the grant money yesterday.

Upper Hunter organisations that received grants include:

1.   $4,166 to the Scone and Upper Hunter Historical Society for a new air conditioning unit;
2.   $3,490 to the Murrurundi Arts and Crafts Council for furniture replacement;
3.   $6,000 to the Merriwa Men’s Shed for a refrigerator, chairs and ceiling fan;
4.   $19,000 to the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre for the construction and fit-out of a new community laundry;
5.   $5,000 to  the Scone Triathlon Club for a bicycle library for short term loan of equipment;
6.   $3,500 to the Aberdeen RSL Sub-Branch for a mobile WiFi PA system.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce commended the six successful groups for receiving “the lion’s share” of recent grants in the New England.

“It’s testament to the dedication of the people involved in getting these applications drawn up, our communities and your clubs are richer for your contribution,” Mr Joyce said.

“We know the Upper Hunter has a vibrant history and cultural scene, thanks in a large part to the dedicated volunteers who help promote times past and arts in the region,” he said.

“The least we can do is make sure those volunteers and their visitors are comfortable, so these grants will help achieve that,” he said.

Under Round six of the Stronger Communities Program, organisations were eligible for grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.

A seventh round will also be available, after an additional $28.2 million was provided in the 2021-22 Budget to extend the project.

“It is important that we fund not only the big money projects in the New England but the smaller ones too because they are the ones that keep our communities connected,” Mr Joyce said.