Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced that Pilliga Community Centre will receive $6,657 under the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program, supported by the Federal Government.
It’s one of five grants awarded in the electorate under the program, representing a funding injection of more than $160,000 for communities at Bourke, Warialda, Lake Cargelligo, Pilliga and Nevertire to help get deserving projects up off the ground.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including creating jobs and keeping money flowing through our shops and suppliers,” Mr Coulton said.
“Congratulations to Pilliga Community Centre on successfully receiving funding for their project, which will see new windows installed at the centre.
“In my electorate, projects being funded range from a music festival at Nevertire, to purchasing fitness equipment for community gyms in the Gwydir Shire, right through to the development of a water tower mural at Lake Cargelligo.
“The Federal Government is pleased to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in these country communities.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said Tackling Tough Times Together supports families and businesses in regional communities through the stress of the drought by driving economy activity and investing in local infrastructure.
“Many projects funded this round will provide relief and assistance to volunteers, get more members of the community out and about and upgrade community spaces and infrastructure, making life that bit easier in drought-affected regional communities,” Minister Littleproud said.
“These investments are crucial for backing in community organisations reliant on the generous time and effort of volunteers, but whose volunteering capacities have taken a big hit from the unprecedented impact of the pandemic.
“That is why we are proud to continue supporting the Foundation’s important work at such a critical time, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these local groups to help deliver crucial projects that will strengthen regional economies and social bonds in drought-affected communities.”
The Federal Government has committed $15 million to the Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Eligible community groups can apply for ongoing funding available under the program to bring their initiatives to fruition. More information can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT
Parkes electorate recipients and grants:
| Recipient | Project | Grant Amount |
| Gwydir Shire Council | Gwydir Fitness Centre equipment program – Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of Friends of the Gwydir Fitness Centre through the provision of exercise equipment at the Warialda and Bingara Community Gyms. | $17,973 |
| Lakes Alive Progress Assoc | Water Tower Mural Cnr Uabba / Canada Street – Enhance local economic recovery and renewal through the development of the Lake Cargelligo Water Tower Mural. | $59,960 |
| Pilliga Community Centre | New windows – Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability, and sustainability of the Pilliga Community Centre through the installation of new windows. | $6,657 |
| Warren Chamber Music Festival | Warren Chamber Music Festival – Reduce social isolation, enhance educational participation for young people, and stimulate local economy through the delivery of the Warren Chamber Music Festival at Nevertire. | $20,000 |
| Bourke & District Children’s Services | Co-location of Early Childhood and Integrated Health Services – Enhance social and educational participation for children disadvantaged by drought through the development of a feasibility plan for the Bourke district. | $57,000 |
