The Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre will install solar panels and a battery, and upgrade lighting at their premises, with a $30,847 grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the grant has been committed under the FRRR’s Tackling Tough Times Together initiative, which is supported by the Liberal and Nationals Government.

“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 Lake Cargelligo Early Learning Centre will be most welcomed by the community.

“This will increase the organisation’s capacity and help them to continue to deliver an important service to the people of Lake Cargelligo and surrounds.”

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 Lake Cargelligo stands to benefit significantly from this round of FRRR funding, which will help the community continue to thrive despite the difficult times,” he said.

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

• $43,800 for Country Women’s Association (CWA) in Menindee;
• $13,055 for Grawin Glengarry Sheepyard Opal Field Men’s Shed;
• $42,500 for Coonabarabran High School P & C Association; and
• $27,500 for 2357 Partnerships in Coonabarabran.

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.