Kempsey Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful delivery of the 2023-24 Community Grants Program.
The first round of the 2023-24 Community Grants Program was a success with 21 applications received. The total funding requested within the five categories totalled $57,503.00. Of these, 17 organisations were determined to have successfully met the Community Grant Program's eligibility criteria.
The Community Grants Program applies an overarching framework, using the principles as outlined by the Australian Institute of Grants Management to provide funding from Council to community groups and organisations.
Mayor Leo Hauville said the funding recommendations, determined through a rigorous and competitive application process, reflect adherence to the eligibility criteria set by the Community Grants Program.
"The Community Grants Program is designed to enhance community capacity and empower groups to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our region," said Cr Hauville.
"By fostering skills and confidence in grant writing, we enable these groups to secure additional funding from other sources in the future. The volunteer efforts of these groups not only directly benefit the community but also alleviate the resources Council might otherwise allocate for specific projects."
Council has approved a total financial assistance of $45,003.00 from the Community Grants Program 2023-24. The distribution includes allocations to the Mayoral Community Fund, Environmental Levy Fund, Sporting Fund, and Quick Grant – Seniors Festival. Notably, the Mayoral Fund and Sporting Fund were undersubscribed despite extensive advertising efforts.
The breakdown of the funding allocation is as follows:
Mayoral Community Fund (Total $17,503.00)
- $2,251.00 for Kempsey Children's Services: Sensory room fit-out
- $3,207.00 for Gladstone CWA Evening Branch: Market stall gazebo & equipment
- $500.00 for Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation: Catering for Community Meetings
- $5,000.00 for Aboriginal Employment Strategy: Free Community Movie night
- $3,175.00 Natureland Classic Motorbike Club: Defibrillator, first aid kit & training
- $3,370.00 Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation: Bike safety workshops & school holiday activities
Environmental Levy Fund (Total $20,000.00)
- $5,000.00 for Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPADCO): Weed eradication at Grassy Head
- $5,000.00 for South West Rocks Community Dune Care: Weed clearing at Back Creek
- $5,000.00 for Hat Head Dune Care: Weed clearing at Hat Head
- $5,000.00 for Big Nobby Bush Care Group: Weed clearing at Crescent Head
Sporting Fund (Total $5,000.00)
- $2,500.00 for Macleay Valley Rangers: New line marker & BBQ
- $2,500.00 for Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club: New nipper boards
Quick Grant – Seniors Festival (Total $2,500.00)
• $500.00 for Crescent Head P&C: Intergenerational Storytime
• $500.00 for Gladstone CWA: Seniors' morning tea
• $500.00 for Dalaigur Pre-school: Intergenerational morning tea
• $500.00 for South West Rocks CWA: Seniors' luncheon
• $500.00 for Kempsey Family History Group: Seniors' day trip to Frank Partridge Museum
It is proposed to open a second round of funding availability in February 2024 to capture community organisations that may be looking for additional funding and support from Council. The undersubscribed budget from the first round of funding will be utilised for this proposed second round of community grants along with NAIDOC week quick grants.
