Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured with members of the Cobar Pony Club which received a $7,499 grant to purchase a new lawnmower under the previous round of the Stronger Communities Programme.

Community groups in the Parkes electorate are being invited to apply for a share of $150,000 in funding under the latest round of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

Expressions of interest are now open for Round 9 of the popular program, giving local governing bodies and community groups an opportunity to nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed this latest round of funding and said it would deliver infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.

“Community groups are the heart of our local towns and villages in the Parkes electorate and this type of funding is often vital to help them grow and prosper into the future,” Mr Coulton said.

“Dozens of local community groups have benefitted from the Stronger Communities Programme over the years and in the last round we saw some wonderful projects go ahead including the upgrade of the long daycare kitchen facilities for Lake Cargelligo District Community Children’s Centre, an undercover area for the Bugaldie War Memorial Hall, a facilities upgrade for the Cobar Rugby League Football Club, new flooring and painting for Menindee Charities, and air conditioning for the Warialda Anglican Hall.

“It’s projects like these that help to boost community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities, which is exactly why this program was established by the former Coalition Government.”

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies. Up to 20 projects will be funded in the Parkes electorate.

Mr Coulton said some major changes have been made to this round and encourages all potential applicants to review the guidelines to ensure their project meets the eligibility criteria.

“This time greater priority is being given to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous Australians, veterans, immigrants and people with disabilities, while broader activities available for funding include environmental and climate focussed projects and those that address gender equity and health infrastructure,” Mr Coulton said.

“Each project must meet the eligibility requirements and directly align with at least one of the objectives of the program.

“For example, projects could include information signage for places of First Nations significance, the installation of a native garden, upgrades to war memorials, construction or upgrade of disability access to facilities, upgrades to parent rooms or the creation of child-friendly spaces, the provision of women’s facilities at sports grounds, the purchase and installation of defibrillators or first aid equipment, the establishment of a website or social media presence, or the installation of renewable energy sources and storage, just to name a few.

“I strongly encourage interested organisations to contact my office if they have a project important to them which will benefit the local community.”

Mr Coulton will play a key role in identifying the projects to be supported in his electorate, with the assistance of a committee that represents the local community.

Organisations shortlisted by the committee will then be invited to complete a formal online application, which must be submitted by 5pm AEDT on Friday 28 March 2025.

Eligible organisations in the Parkes electorate can download an EOI form for submission to Mr Coulton’s office by 5pm AEDT Friday 7 February 2025. EOIs can be accessed through this link: https://forms.gle/WNdeyg1SkGSBZPWq9

Further information including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process are available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme-round-9

Important information:

To put forward an application for consideration under the SCP, eligible organisations must:

• Complete an EOI form, which is available here: EOI form or https://forms.gle/WNdeyg1SkGSBZPWq9
• Submit the form to the Office of Mark Coulton MP via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au by 5pm AEDT Friday 7 February 2025.