Close to $140,000 will be provided as a donation to not-for-profit organisations and community groups throughout the Shoalhaven.
Council will distribute the funding from the Community Donations Fund to support 27 local groups in their community-focused initiatives.
Mayor Amanda Findley conveyed her appreciation towards these organisations for their unwavering commitment to Shoalhaven residents and for cultivating a sense of community wellbeing.
"Without their important work, the essential programs and services that uplift the community would not be available," Mayor Amanda Findley said.
"This funding is intended to support these organisations to operate their initiatives in their communities," she said.
Applications were carefully assessed by the Community Donations Panel, evaluating each proposal against specific criteria, budget constraints and their alignment with community needs.
The donations are categorised into three areas:
Sponsorships for local events.
General community donations encompassing culture, community and environment.
Subsidies for rent, rates and the use of Council facilities.
Local event sponsorships were granted to the Rotary Club of Milton Ulladulla, which received $10,000 for the Ulladulla Blessing of the Fleet Festival, and the Callala Bay Community Association, which received $800 for the Breakfast by the Bay Community Australia Day Event. The Lions Club of Bomaderry Nowra for Carols in the Park and Sanctuary Point Community Pride were also beneficiaries of this funding.
Several music and art organisations have been acknowledged, with the Milton Ulladulla String Orchestra receiving $3,000, the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra receiving $16,000, and Music Shoalhaven receiving $1,500. Additional funding was also awarded to the Shoalhaven City Concert Band and Tomerong School of Arts.
A list of recipients can be found on the Community Donations Program 2024 -2025 webpage on Council's website. A second round of donations will be held using the remaining funds of $40,150.
