Saluting Their Service with local grants

I’m thrilled to announce that three groups in the Parkes electorate committed to preserving Australia’s military history have been awarded $18,000 under the Federal Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

Congratulations to the Moree Plains Shire Council, Condobolin RSL Club and Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dubbo, all of which have received funds to help ensure their respective communities have a strong awareness of our nation’s military history.

The successful applicants will make an important contribution to honouring Australian service personnel and wartime heritage for current and future generations.

With $10,000, Moree Plains Shire Council will install three flagpoles at the Moree Military Museum, fund honour roll additions and install memorial seats at the Max Wales Memorial Park.

A grant of $6,000 will allow Condobolin RSL Club to upgrade its commemorative garden and cover costs for a recently installed memorial.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dubbo will supply and install a flagpole at the church, thanks to a $2,000 grant under this program.

I encourage local organisations committed to preserving our military history to consider applying for future funding rounds, with Batch 3 closing on 11 February 2021. For more information, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au

Funds on offer to build Stronger Communities

Submissions to my office for the popular Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) are closing soon – and I’m urging eligible organisations in the electorate to take this fantastic opportunity and apply.

The Coalition Government has committed to fund up to 20 local community infrastructure projects across the Parkes electorate, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

The last round of the SCP was hugely popular on a local level. We saw some terrific projects get up off the ground including a new ramp and automatic doors for the local post office in Baradine, chairs for the Coonabarabran Golf Club and the installation of air conditioners to benefit the Tibooburra community.

These grants fund the sort of vital infrastructure projects that bring people together, while creating vibrant and viable communities. The benefits of these projects go far beyond the here and now, giving a huge boost to rural and regional areas that often rely heavily on community facilities.

A preliminary project proposal form is available via my website at www.markcoulton.com.au/funding-opportunity-stronger-communities-programme and must be submitted by 29 January 2021.

Stay secure when shopping online

With so many of us doing more online shopping in recent times, it’s timely to consider the risks posed by cybercriminals and make moves to keep ourselves safe.

Cybercriminals can strike from anywhere – and at any time – in a bid to steal your money and personal information. Simple steps to protect yourself include:

• Making sure your device software is up to date;
• Using multi-factor authentication for your email, banking and shopping accounts;
• Sticking to well-known and trusted brands;
• Using secure payment methods;
• Being aware of fake sellers; and
• Being cautious when buying on social media platforms.

ACSC’s online shopping tips and other information are available at cyber.gov.au, through which cybercrime can also be reported.