Lachlan Region Community Grant recipients announced

The Lachlan Region Community Grants (LRCG) Program, funded in 2012 by the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF), has announced the recipients of the first round of funding. The Program operates via a Small Grant Program Donation Account for the community of the Lachlan region, with VFFF providing seed funding and the community able to raise matching funds for philanthropic granting. FRRR supports this program with mentoring and guidance on grant making.

The program has distributed $100,000 in grants for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities in the Lachlan Shire, contributing to their development in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or cultural areas.

There was an overwhelming response to calls for applications. The difficult task of reviewing these applications was carried out by LRCG committee members, with support from FRRR and VFFF.

Executive Officer of Western Plains Regional Development and Chairperson for the committee, Tammy Bugg, said such an opportunity was very exciting for the Lachlan Shire.

“Many small organisations struggle to keep their projects going. We are very fortunate to have these funds to invest into such worthwhile organisations and continue to develop our communities.”

Projects funded in the first round include:

• Healthy Landscapes, Healthy People - Condobolin and District Landcare Management Committee -  $2,780
  The forum will engage guest speakers on the topic of healthy soils to produce nutrient-rich food, which in turn nourish healthy, vital people.
• Women and Youth in Agriculture – Building a Resilient Farming Future - Central West Farming Systems - $5,000
  The grant will help to subsidise transportation and participation fees to this forum for student and youth participants. It will also enable child care to be provided, so more parents can attend.
• Sharing Gallery Resources - Lachlan Arts Council - $7,098
  This will enable the purchase of equipment to hold travelling exhibitions. The equipment will be moved around the Shire to support various exhibits and displays in each community, building capacity and resources for local and visiting artists.
• Interactive Connections Build Great Learners – Condobolin Preschool and Childcare Centre - $9,000
  The purchase of two ipads and installation of an interactive whiteboard will provide the children with learning experiences that are both interactive and engaging. The new equipment will also assist in preparing the children for starting school.
• Showcasing Condobolin's History – Condobolin and Historical Society - $5,000
  New well-lit showcases will enable fine arts, multicultural items, Indigenous and historical artefacts and the history of Condobolin and the District to be better displayed and more accessible for the community, school groups and tourists.
• Lift for Opportunity – Condobolin Community Centre - $27,863.25
  Condobolin Community Centre holds community events including weddings, plays, exhibitions, public meeting and community markets. The installation of a lift means that less mobile people will no longer miss out on all the fun.
• Learning through play - Tullibigeal Playgroup - $1,100
  The Playgroup will use the funds to purchase toys and outdoor equipment, including a durable outdoor play mat. These improvements will increase the Playgroup’s ability to offer a quality and engaging play environment for children under school age.
• Adding amenity to Fifield - The Fifield Community Facilities Committee - $5,000
  The Committee will refurbish a transported kiosk into a toilet block. This toilet block will be a welcome addition and contribute to the economic resilience of the community, providing facilities for visiting groups and travellers to the recreation reserve.
• Lighting up - The Tottenham Picnic Race Club - $2,000
  This will fund the installation of solar lights for the main entrance and outside of the toilets. The new lights will provide a safer and more sustainable environment for community events.
• A Facelift - The Lake Cargellio Memorial Hall - $2,200
  New linoleum and blinds will give this local hall a timely facelift and provide a safer environment for the town. The hall is consistently holding events including weddings, Arts and Crafts exhibitions and local organisation forums.
• Hot Water and Cool Air - Lake Cargelligo & District Men’s shed - $4,726
  A new hot water system and air conditioning for the recently refurbished front meeting room at the Lake Cargelligo & District Men's Shed will provide improved amenities for this venue, which is also used by other groups in the community.
• Preparing for Community Expo - Tottenham Welfare Council - $4,100
  Funds will go towards the purchase of good quality shade equipment and an early awareness campaign to ensure the success of a Community Expo in March 2013. The day will feature a wide range of exhibitors, demonstrations and entertainment activities.
• Safer Play - The Tottenham Preschool - $5,000
  This grant will upgrade the Preschool play area with the renovation and restoration of the soft fall surface and the installation of a new shade sail. This will ensure a safer and more sun smart play area.
• Modernising the Community Centre - Tullibigeal & District Progress Association - $9,845
  The Community Centre has been in the centre of town since 1951. The building has been in desperate need of some work and will now be able to restore the roof and have painting and other repairs carried out in line with heritage standards.
• Equipped for Long Day Care - Lake Cargelligo District Community Children’s Centre Assoc. Inc. - $9,287.75
  Educational play equipment, resources and the necessary white goods for the new Long Day Care facility will be purchased with this grant.

We look forward to reporting on the outcomes of these projects in the future.