The Collie Branch of the Country Women’s Association will be able to install blinds in their meeting hall, thanks to a $2,600 grant from Round 3 of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, announced the grant and said it would also permit the Collie CWA to buy a new computer and printer to help the branch to keep up with technological change as well as a gurney to clean tables and chairs when needed.
“The purchase of blinds and technology will make the hall a more attractive venue to host courses and for locals to learn, contributing to a more vibrant and more viable community,” he said. 
Mr Coulton said that under the programme, incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations were invited to apply for funding for projects that will contribute to the long term vibrancy and viability of our local areas.
A passionate advocate of the Stronger Communities Programme, Mr Coulton said he was overwhelmed by the community response he received for both Rounds 1 and 2 and now Round 3 from right across the Electorate of Parkes.
“For a long time I felt there was a need for greater support for incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations to help build and maintain small infrastructure projects that would benefit our local communities,” he said.
The overall cost of the project is $5,200 with the Stronger Communities Programme contributing half of the overall cost.