The Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the recent launch of the Stronger Communities Programme Round 3 is designed to deliver social benefits to communities’ right across the Electorate of Parkes.  
Mr Coulton explained that under this programme, incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations are invited to apply for funding for projects that will contribute to the long term vibrancy and viability of our local areas.
This programme will fund small capital projects which will deliver social benefits by supporting community participation and contributing to the vibrancy and viability of communities. 
This programme is available to each Federal electorate, with total funding of $150,000. The grants available will range between $2,500 and $20,000 per project and must be matched by cash or in-kind funding on at least a dollar for dollar basis.
Mr Coulton said a local community consultation committee will be established to assist with identifying projects for consideration by the Government. Applications for grant funding will be appraised against the Guidelines and whether funding the project would be a proper use of grant funding.
“In Round 2 we funded $5,000 for a facelift for the Gilgandra Youth Service, $10,000 to replace the roof for the Dubbo Men’s Shed, $20,000 to upgrade the toilets at the Bourke Showgrounds and $5,000 for a playground for the Coonamble Preschool.
“At this stage I am encouraging organisations to complete a preliminary Project Proposal Form,” Mr Coulton said. 
The preliminary Project Proposal Form must be returned by the 21 July 2017 and can be sourced from the Dubbo Electorate office or can be provided via a request to his email mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au . 
Organisations identified by the community consultation committee will then be invited to complete a formal online application which must be submitted to the Department by 28 September 2017. The Stronger Communities Programme guidelines and factsheet are now available through AusIndustry on the Business Grants Hub website at https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/stronger-communities-programme 
“Please do not hesitate to contact my Dubbo office on 02 6882 0999 should you require any further information,” he said.

Caption: Member for the Electorate of Parkes, Mark Coulton with representatives of the Walgett Shire Council. The council was successful in securing funding of $20,000 from the Commonwealth Government to provide much needed public toilet facilities to the village of Come by Chance.