Forestry Minister Dave Kelly has announced the 22 successful applicants of the Forest Products Commission's (FPC) expanded Community Support Program.
This year's Program saw an increase in applications overall, with the vast majority coming from the South West and Goldfields regions.
Aboriginal groups received three grants for a variety of projects including NAIDOC Week celebrations and infrastructure improvements to regional Aboriginal communities.
Volunteer Fire Brigades were also supported, with five brigades receiving grants for a range of projects to help enhance their firefighting capabilities.
One grant recipient, Ferndale-Stirling Park Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, will use their grant to purchase a new water pump to help improve their fire suppression capacity.
The grants vary from $1,000 to $2,000 and will be used to support a range of projects including tourism, education and, recreation.
As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:
"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting a sustainable timber industry and the benefits it provides our regional communities."
"These grants will help regional community groups prepare for life after COVID-19 and be ready to reconnect with their regional communities once life returns to normal."
"The FPC's Community Support Program has now injected $90,000 into 55 community groups in regional Western Australia since it began in 2018."
Community grant recipients:
- Avongro Incorporated in partnership with Goomalling Aboriginal Corporation - $2,000 - An inaugural cultural event for NAIDOC Week 2020;
- Beelerup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - $2,000 - Pumping equipment for water tank;
- Brazier Kirup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - $1,700 - Purchase and installation of cameras for fire truck;
- Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation - $2,000 - Provide resources for a training program in plant cultivation;
- Bridgetown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Brigade - $2,000 - The purchase of additional storage for members' personal protective equipment;
- Central Districts Axemen's Association - $1,500 - Log chop at Serpentine-Jarrahdale Lions Country Fair;
- Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue - $2,000 - Purchase of backpack blower and brush cutter to assist with fire mitigation work;
- Donnybrook Apple Festival Inc. - $1,500 - 2021 Donnybrook Apple Festival;
- Eastern Hills Senior High - $1,517 - Engage a local Aboriginal artist to work with students to create a range of different pieces to show respect to Aboriginal culture;
- Ferndale-Stirling Park Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - $2,000 - Purchase of water pump
- Harvey Community Resource Centre - $2,000 - Installation of a nature playground;
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder Naidoc Planning Committee - $1,783 - NAIDOC Week celebrations;
- Kurrawang Aboriginal Christian Community - $2,000 - Bring back a functioning multi-use sport court;
- Lions Club of Donnybrook WA - $2,000 - Assist with the setting up of 'Containers of Change' program;
- Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group - $1,500 - Preserve and restore historic Ludlow settlement;
- Northcliffe Family and Community Centre - $1,500 - Nature night at Mt. Chudalup for local children;
- Pingelly Tourism Group Inc. - $2,000 - Caravan parking with interpretative facilities;
- Scotsdale/Mt. Shadforth Bushfire Brigade - $2,000 - Upgrade Brigade training rooms
- South West Native Orchid Propagation & Restoration Inc. - $1,500 - Connect power to a converted sea container for propagating native orchids;
- Warren Blackwood Bombers - $2,000 - Jumpers, training and first aid equipment for newly formed women's football team;
- Warren Equestrian Centre Inc. - $1,500 - Tree planting project; and
- Woodturners Association of Western Australia - Gosnells & District Club - $2,000 - Upgrade old equipment to modern digital variable speed lathes.
