MidCoast Council has committed more than $23,000 to providing financial assistance to 10 local organisations for community development and capacity building projects through its Community Donations Program.
The program aims to assist the organisations to deliver projects and activities that support community connections and the retention of unique, diverse and culturally rich communities across the MidCoast region.
In a council meeting held on 2 June, Councillors endorsed the recommendations of the Assessment Panel and approved funding across two program categories; Annual Donations and Seed Funding. Twenty three applications were received, requesting more than $80,000 of funding.
Criteria for assessment included capacity building and community ownership, services and activities which align with the MidCoast Community Strategic Plan and the extent to which the service or activity enhances the lives of those living in the MidCoast Council local government area.
All applications were assessed by a Donations Assessment Panel, comprising Councillors Hutchison, Smith and Roberts and as a result, 10 projects were chosen to receive donations of varying amounts, totalling $23,122.
"Our Community Donations Policy is designed to support our large network of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations that are delivering valuable services to our community," said Lyndie Hepple, MidCoast Council's Coordinator of Community Development.
"The underlying premise of the policy is to help community groups become more sustainable, and we're always delighted to be able to support these fantastic local projects."
Some of the local organisations that will benefit in this round include Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre, Myall Park Croquet Club, Bulahdelah Lions Club, Cundletown Museum and Tresillian in the Manning.
Funds will go towards a range of projects including purchasing new equipment, sun shading for a playground, a commercial dishwasher and more.
