Nationals Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, has congratulated six organisations in his electorate that have received funding under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program.
Mr Coulton said RiverSmart Australia Limited, Coonamble Golf Club Limited, and Moree Plains Shire Council have each been awarded grants under the Commonwealth-funded Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities grants program.
“RiverSmart Australia has received $10,000 to build a concrete coach-disembarking point and accessible pathway in Warren to increase tourism and the safety of visitors,” Mr Coulton said.
“Coonamble Golf Club will use a $9,928 grant to construct a playground to enhance social cohesion and provide a safe and family-friendly place for people to gather in Coonamble.
“Moree Plains Shire Council has also been awarded a $3,000 grant to facilitate Fanny Lumsden’s Country Halls Tour in the small locality of Garah which will boost the community’s morale.
“I’m pleased to see each of these organisations receive funding to deliver local initiatives that will increase community engagement and make a big difference on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Warren Chamber Music Festival Incorporated, Colly Gamilaraay Indigenous Corporation and the Arthur Butler Aviation Museum have each been awarded grants under the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities – Small and Vital grants program – which is funded by the community and private sector.
“Warren Chamber Music Festival has received $10,000 to record songs from storytelling sessions with elderly community members to capture local history in Collie,” Mr Coulton said.
“Colly Gamilaraay Indigenous Corporation will hold a one-day multi-arts and sporting festival to celebrate traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture from across the Collarenebri region thanks to a $9,500 grant.
“And finally, the Arthur Butler Aviation Museum in Tooraweenah will use its $5,000 grant to create a management plan for the aerodrome to develop future facilities, enhancing Tooraweenah’s appeal as a tourism destination.”
Mr Coulton said the FRRR and the Australian Government have a long history of collaboration when it comes to supporting rural and regional communities, however sadly, this is the final round of the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream to be funded by the Commonwealth.
“There has been no commitment from the Labor Government to allocate further funding, despite dozens more projects missing out on grants in the current round,” Mr Coulton said.
“There’s a clear need for this type of funding, especially in recent years as these FRRR grants help to fill gaps for regional communities that previously relied on Government funding.
“I look forward to seeing the Labor Government commit to supporting future grant rounds in the upcoming Federal Budget, or whether it continues to starve our regional communities of funding.”
