Projects supporting children with special needs, caring for local wildlife and promoting cultural learning are among those to receive funding through the latest round of the Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.
Community grant recipients were announced at a special presentation evening in Broome last night. Round 5 will see 12 recipients share in more than $80,000 for important social and community projects across the region.
Grants will help groups such as Native Animal Rescue Broome construct a marine life rehabilitation facility, fund repairs to the iconic Sailmaker's Shed and see the installation of therapeutic play equipment at Yiyili Aboriginal Community School.
A further $100,000 was awarded to 22 local not-for-profit groups impacted by COVID-19 as part of the Water Corporation's Kimberley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund (Round 6).
Among those to receive support were Kangaroo Haven Incorporation Kununurra, Wyndham Historical Society, Broome Aboriginal Media Association and Derby Sportsmen's Club.
The unique scheme is delivered by Water Corporation in partnership with the Lions Club of Broome. It is funded through the sale of Rhodes grass hay produced at the Water Corporation's Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant.
For more information, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au/
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"Congratulations to each worthy recipient in the Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, which since 2016 has directed over $365,000 into important grassroots projects across the region.
"Round 5 attracted a record number of applicants and saw the highest monetary contribution in the scheme's four-year history.
"It was particularly heartening to see such a significant contribution to local not-for-profit groups impacted by COVID-19.
"Through this contribution, the Water Corporation and the WA Government are supporting local organisations so that they may continue making a positive difference to communities across the Kimberley."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:
"Through initiatives like the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, not-for-profit groups are able to undertake projects that contribute greatly to the fabric of life in regional communities.
"There are some incredibly worthy recipients in the latest rounds of funding, and I look forward to seeing each project take shape in the near future."
Projects supported by Round 5 of the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme:
| Group and location | Grant | Initiative |
| Mamabulanjin Aboriginal Corporation | $10,000 | Convert a sea container to unisex ablution facilities for use in the Aboriginal trainee program. |
| Waringarri Aboriginal Arts | $4,500 | Create a cultural garden inspired by native plant knowledge to support cultural learning and develop creative expression. |
| Broome Bird Observatory | $2,150 | Establish a waterwise garden at the Discovery Centre to attract native birds and wildlife and provide a shaded area for visitors. |
| Broome Horse Riders Club Inc | $10,000 | Upgrade ageing water infrastructure at Broome Rodeo Grounds to encourage better waterwise practices. |
| Kununurra Community Garden | $8,000 | Upcycle grow beds and educate Kununurra families in gardening activities to build community resilience and create local food security. |
| Native Animal Rescue Broome | $10,000 | Fund a purpose-built facility to enable veterinarians and volunteers to rehabilitate vulnerable marine turtles and other marine animals. |
| Incredible Edible Broome | $5,000 | Publish 'The Guide to Gardening Broome', a comprehensive guide to gardening in the Broome climate. |
| Broome Historical Society | $4,250 | Fund repairs to Broome's iconic Sailmaker's Shed. |
| Yiyili Aboriginal Community School | $10,000 | Install a playground with therapeutic play equipment to benefit children with special needs. |
| Cable Beach Primary School | $9.500 | Transform a vast, underutilised section of playground into an inviting nature play space for children. |
| St Mary's College Broome | $1,500 | Fund an artistic program to design and highlight bins across the school to minimise littering. |
| Kununurra Historical Society | $6,000 | Develop a video series sharing local Kununurra history. |
Organisations to receive funding through the Kimberley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund (Round 6):
| Group and location | Grant | Initiative |
| Broome Lotteries House | $7,500 | Provide support for insurance costs. |
| Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo Association | $2,500 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Ord Valley Events Incorporated Kununurra | $2,500 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Kangaroo Haven Incorporation | $5,000 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Broome Motocross | $5,000 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Broome Aboriginal Media Association | $7,210 | To fund live music "Gimme Sessions" to support the local Broome arts sector. |
| Broome Community Resource Centre | $10,000 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Broome Bird Observatory | $2,500 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Lioness Club of Broome | $2,712 | Provide rental support and community donations. |
| Wyndham Historical Society | $1,149 | Provide support for insurance costs. |
| Broome Men's Shed | $5,000 | Provide support for insurance and equipment. |
| SAFE Broome | $5,473.22 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Broome Historical Society | $8,000 | Provide support for insurance costs. |
| Lions Club of Broome | $3,585 | To fund a replacement trailer for fundraising purposes. |
| Incredible Edible Broome | $4,955 | Provide support for insurance costs and to fund trailer registration and maintenance. |
| Kununurra Community Garden | $2,045.78 | Provide support for insurance and operational costs. |
| Derby Animal Welfare | $4,300 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| KANE Inc | $5,000 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Crazy Crocs Playgroup Kununurra | $2,000 | Provide activity packs for community. |
| Derby Sportsman's Club | $10,000 | Provide support for operational costs. |
| Dinosaur Coast | $1,200 | Provide support for insurance costs. |
| Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library | $2,370 | Provide support for operational costs. |
