1 August 2018

Local community and sporting groups will benefit from Gunnedah Shire Council’s Section 356 Small Grants Program, with more than $35,000 recently endorsed by Council for a range of projects and initiatives across the Shire.

A total of 12 community and sporting groups were successful in receiving grants.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey acknowledged the quality of the applicants and projects that will benefit from the Section 356 Small Grants Program.

“The financial assistance program has been in place for more than a decade, and to date has distributed more than $355,289 to local organisations and groups,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The program is designed to support the work of local charitable and not-for-profit organisations, through projects that meet the need of our growing community.”

Members of the Section 356 Committee, Councillor Ann Luke, Councillor David Moses and Councillor Colleen Fuller met to assess a total of 16 applications against the priorities and eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines, and in the context of the funds available.

The level of funding available under the program is dependent on the project but Cr Chaffey said it can be up to $5,000.

“Priority was given to those applications that not only benefited their organisation but also the broader community,” Cr Chaffey said.

Successful community organisations included Riding for the Disabled, Lake Keepit Sailing Club, Big Sky Trailblazers, Gunnedah Tennis Club, Namoi Horse Association, Gunnedah and District Pony Club, Presbyterian Church, Gunnedah Pottery Club, Gunnedah Early Childhood Intervention, Challenge Community Services, Water Tower Museum and the Gunnedah Salvation Army.

A presentation of the grants took place at the Smithurst Theatre Courtyard as part of the Local Government Week Free and Friendly Breakfast on Wednesday, 1 August at 9.00am.

For further information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo caption: Recipients of the Section 356 Small Grants Program are presented with their certificate.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.