New grants to support Parramatta's growing night time creative economy and to drive visitation to heritage sites will be included in the City of Parramatta's biggest ever Annual Community Grants Program.
Council has increased funding for community grants to $725,000 in 2024-25 including a combined $100,000 that will fund grants of up to $10,000 towards projects that build on the City nightlife and create new experiences for visitors to historic sites.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the annual community grants provided valuable support to the City's community organisations, volunteer groups, sporting clubs, social enterprises, creatives and heritage organisations.
"These grants enable broad opportunities: from our youngest locals working to be Australia's next generation of sporting stars or creative geniuses, to older people wanting to make a positive difference through volunteering, or taking part in a ground breaking project that showcases the best of Parramatta," Cr Esber said.
"More than ever, Council's new community grants program comes at a time when rises in the cost of living are proving to be a big hurdle for those wanting to go that extra mile, so we have added an extra $150,000 of funding."
One recent recipient of Council's Community Grants Program was the Royal Life Saving Society which received $9,000 to run a Water Safety Education program for children 3-12 years of age.
Royal Life Saving Society Health Promotion Manager Louise Smalley said the grant has helped provide essential knowledge to keep families safe by the water.
"On behalf of Royal Life Saving NSW, I'd like to thank City of Parramatta Council for their generous financial support of our Water Safety Education Initiative," Ms Smalley said.
"With Western Sydney residents unfortunately overrepresented in drowning statistics, the partnership with City of Parramatta Council is significant.
"Council's support has, so far, helped us reach over 500 families with vital water safety information, working together to prevent tragedies and promote water safety in our community."
Royal Life Saving Society education coordinator Lisa Critoph said the feedback from families has been positive.
"This program has eliminated financial barriers by offering participation at no cost, ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable families," Ms Critoph said.
Since 2007, Council has provided more than $9 million of support to community organisations, volunteer groups, sporting clubs, social enterprises, creative producers, heritage organisations and individuals.
The Annual Community Grants Program will be offered in two rounds: Community (July-December 2024) and Cultural (January-June 2025). Applications for the Community round open from 1 July 2024, while people can apply for the Cultural round in early 2025.
