Christmas gift for local volunteers
Last week I was thrilled to announce that a total of 30 community groups in the Parkes electorate will share in more than $109,000 under the latest round of the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants program.
Volunteers play a vital role in shaping this electorate; they give countless hours of their time for the betterment of their communities and this funding is a wonderful early Christmas gift, enabling them to continue their great work.
These past two years have been particularly challenging for our volunteer organisations, whose access to volunteers and ability to fundraise has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, so I know these grants will be especially welcomed this year.
A full list of the 2021 Volunteer Grants recipients is available on my website: www.markcoulton.com.au/local-volunteers-rewarded-with-early-christmas-funding-gift/
Funds on offer to build better regions
I encourage local councils and community organisations in the Parkes electorate to apply for Round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), with a total of $250 million in funding available for new infrastructure and community projects to be funded and delivered from next year.
Under the last round, we secured more than $11 million for the Parkes electorate, including $8.7 million for Broken Hill City Council to build a new library and cultural hub in the CBD, $2.1 million for a new kitchen and laundry at Cooinda Coonabarabran nursing home, and $329,514 for Gilgandra Shire Council’s Mill on Miller Street project.
Our Government has a strong track record of delivering projects that are important to regional Australians and I look forward to seeing what exciting applications come in this time.
Projects will be funded under two streams:
- Infrastructure Projects Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-infrastructure-projects-stream-round-6
- Community Investments Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-community-investments-stream-round-6
Applications close on Thursday 10 February 2022.
Disaster allowance now available
People who have been impacted by recent flooding and storms across the Parkes electorate can now access financial support to help them get back on their feet.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance is now available to support people whose income has been affected by the severe weather in the Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Narromine, Walgett, Warren and Warrumbungle Local Government Areas.
The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected because of this disastrous event. I know this support will be a great relief for so many people across my electorate who have been seriously impacted by the widespread flooding and storms.
Claims for DRA can be made to Services Australia. Check your eligibility at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster. More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at disasterassist.gov.au
Christmas wishes
The past year has been a particularly challenging one for communities across the Parkes electorate, with the COVID-19 outbreak, lockdowns, a mouse plague, and now widespread flooding topping off a year many of us will be glad to see the end of.
But while it’s been a testing time for so many individuals, families, and small businesses, our communities have come together, as they always do, to get through these challenges.
And now, as our country and states begin to open up, the Parkes electorate is well-placed to bounce back stronger than ever. There’s plenty to look forward to and I’m confident 2022 will be a great year ahead.
I wish you a wonderful, safe and happy festive season and hope that this year it is extra special as you are reunited with loved ones.