Gunnedah Shire Council has awarded $39,435 towards the projects of ten community and sporting organisations under the 2023-24 Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program.

Council’s Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program has been in place since 2005 and is aimed at supporting the work of local not-for-profit, charitable community and sporting groups and organisations.

Among the biggest beneficiaries of $17,219 in Section 356 Community Grants was the Gunnedah Pre-School, which will receive $4,959.70 towards the purchase of soft mats, a crash mat and other equipment.

The Tambar Springs Progress Association will receive $4,920 for connection of electricity supply to the Community Recreation Centre, and the Gunnedah Rural Museum will receive $4,540 to purchase an A3 laser printer and photocopier.

Other community groups that were successful in securing funding included;

Allawah Cottage - $1,508.18 for purchase of new washing machine and dryer.

The Shepherd Centre - $1,292 for the delivery of an early intervention program for deaf children and their families in the Gunnedah Shire.

A total of $22,215.12 was allocated under the Section 356 Sports Grants.

Local sporting groups that were successful in their applications include the Gunnedah Swimming Club, which will receive $5,000 for the purchase of a new timing system, the Gunnedah and District Kennel Club will receive $5,000 towards purchase of insulation for its canteen roof, and the Gunnedah & District Pony Club will receive $4,224.50 to refit a new clubhouse first aid room.

The Gunnedah & District Football Club will receive $4,908.82 for the purchase of LED stadium lights and the Gunnedah Gymnastic Centre has been allocated $3,081.80 towards the purchase of two smart TVs.

Gunnedah Shire Council Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke congratulated the successful recipients.

“The Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants Program is a vital funding source for our local sporting and community groups and Council is thrilled to be able to support their ongoing development to help ensure that they continue to play an important part in the every day lives of people living in our Shire,” Cr Hooke said.