Community groups in the Armidale region have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support community resilience programs following the Black Summer bushfires, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Mayor Ian Tiley launching the one-off funding program.
Funding for the community grants program was made available to Council through the joint funded NSW and Commonwealth Government Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).
Mr Marshall said from Monday, 3 May 2021 community groups will be able to lodge a grant application via council's website.
"Through the BCRRF, governments at all levels are working together to build resilience and improve the capabilities of natural disaster prone communities," Mr Marshall said.
"During May, community organisations like school P and C's, Landcare and not-for-profits like Red Cross and the Salvation Army will be able to apply for grants to support bushfire recovery, resilience and recovery activities.
"Whether it's purchasing communications equipment or updating kitchen appliances in the local emergency meeting place, this is a great opportunity for local organisations to address recognised gaps in their capacity to respond to disasters.
"I commend Armidale Regional Council for undertaking this process and look forward to seeing the various ideas submitted for funding."
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley encouraged all eligible organisations to apply.
"All up $65,000 in grants will be distributed to community groups who are working to improve the capabilities of their towns and villages to withstand natural disasters," Cr Tiley said.
"Once grants close at the end of May, a panel will assess the applications, with the successful projects to be announced in June.
"While the landscape has largely recovered from the horror of the 'Black Summer' bushfires, it is important we all continue to work together to improve community assets, so that in the next disaster we have the tools at hand to keep lives and property safe."
Applications for the community grants program open on Monday, 3 May and close Monday, 31 May 2021.
Government funded agencies are not eligible to apply.
