Menindee and Grawin will benefit from more than $56,000 in funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together initiative.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said $43,800 has been awarded to the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Menindee branch, with a further $13,055 to the Grawin Glengarry Sheepyard Opal Field Men’s Shed.

“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including keeping money flowing through shops and suppliers, boosting local tourism and creating jobs for drought-hit communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“The grant for Menindee CWA will help to enhance local infrastructure, with a focus on educational art opportunities and streetscape.

“Another grant will allow the Grawin Glengarry Sheepyard Opal Field Men’s Shed to purchase and install a solar power system.”

Mr Coulton said the grants will provide a boost to the local community at a time when drought has impacted the entire Parkes electorate.

“I’m thrilled that these two communities stand to benefit significantly from this round of FRRR funding, which will help them continue to thrive despite the difficult times,” he said.

An additional three projects in the Parkes electorate have been funded in this round of grants, including:

• $42,500 for Coonabarabran High School P & C Association;
• $27,500 for 2357 Partnerships in Coonabarabran; and
• $30,847 for Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre.

The Federal Coalition Government has provided a total of $15 million to the Tackling Tough Times Together initiative, which is also supported by philanthropy and business. More information can be found at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT

Background:

• Projects supported through Tackling Tough Times Together help rural communities cope with the impact of the drought on families and businesses.

• The majority of projects funded in this round seek to reduce volunteer fatigue and boost the operations of local not-for-profit organisations in drought communities.

Photo Caption: Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton meeting with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Board in Parliament House late last year, along with Federal colleagues. The Coalition Government supports the FRRR and has committed $15 million to its Tackling Tough Times Together program.