Community assistance donations are to be distributed to 55 organisations across the Blue Mountains, as part of Council's Community Assistance Program 2024.
The Community Assistance Program enhances the capacity of community organisations to provide a diverse range of activities and services to meet the changing needs of Blue Mountains residents.
Council endorsed the donations, totalling $60,000, at the Council meeting on 25 June 2024.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said: "Our community would not be as well supported and vibrant as it is without the work of these local community organisations, groups and clubs. The Community Assistance Program recognises those significant contributions.
"There is a vast array of community groups across the Blue Mountains that provide critical support and services, and enhance the quality of life, wellbeing, and culture for everyone.
"It is always a priority for Council to support these local organisations that do so much for our community."
Among the 61 projects supported in this year's Community Assistance Program is the Older Women's Network Blue Mountains Homes for Older Women (HOW) Program.
The HOW program is dedicated to aiding Blue Mountains women over 55 years of age who are experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.
The initiative connects these women with homeowners who are willing to rent self-contained accommodation to them at an affordable rate.
Grant recipients for the 2024 program include:
Upper Mountains: The Mount Victoria Community Association, Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre, Blackheath Kookaburra Kindergarten, Blackheath Area Men's Shed, Blue Gum Montessori Preschool, Mount Wilson Progress Association, 1st Blackheath Scout Group, Megalong Valley Pony Club, Resilient Blue Mountains Services, Rotary Club of Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise, Leura Garden Club, Mikayla Children's Centre, Katoomba Leura Preschool, Wentworth Falls Preschool, Medlow Bath Residents Association, Belong Blue Mountains, and Let's Reconnect! North Katoomba Neighbourhood Newsletter.
Mid and lower Mountains: Hazelbrook Lawson District Girl Guides, Lawson Community Preschool, Connect Child and Family Services, Hazelbrook Association Community, DARE Disability Support, Fusion Australia, Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative, Springwood Community Garden, Glenbrook Preschool Kindergarten, Gateway Family Services, Belong Blue Mountains, and Blue Mountains and Penrith Woodworking Club.
Citywide (projects that have a focus on the broader Blue Mountains): Blue Mountains City Band, Nepean Area Disability Organisation, Mount Victoria and District Historical Society, Blue Mountains Historical Society, Children's Book Council NSW - Blue Mountains Nepean region, Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre, Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, Bub Hub Blue Mountains, Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations, Older Women's Network Blue Mountains, Blue Mountains Roller Derby League, Thrive Services, Aikido NSW, Get Folked! Music and Dance Festival, Australian and Decorative Find Arts Society, Blue Mountains Food Services, Blue Mountains Women's Shed, Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre, Blue Mountains Dragon Boat Club, Mountains Outreach Community Service, Academy Singers, Blue Mountains Tibetan Community, Cancer Patients Assistance Society of NSW, Mountains Community Resource Network, Mountains Youth Services Team, Megalong Valley Community and Landowners Association, Zonta Club of the Blue Mountains, and Dance for Parkinsons.
For more information on the annual grants program, go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/grants
Image: 'HOW' Volunteers from the Older Women's Network Blue Mountains
