Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has today announced that two groups in the Parkes electorate will share in more than $100,000 under the FRRR Tackling Tough Times program.
Two community projects in the Parkes electorate will share in more than $100,000 in funding under the latest round of the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced that Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society will receive $50,909 to undergo a number of upgrades and invest in new equipment, while Lower Lachlan Community Services Incorporated has been awarded $50,000 to replace its roof.
Mr Coulton said the FRRR Tackling Tough Times program aims to support and strengthen the capabilities, connections and wellbeing of drought-affected communities.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including reducing social isolation, stimulating the local economy and supporting social and educational participation for disadvantaged youth,” Mr Coulton said.
“Congratulations to the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society on successfully receiving funding to upgrade the Rural Museum’s kitchen and exhibition/meeting room, as well as purchase lighting and audio equipment and create a new promotional brochure. This will help attract visitors by making it a more enjoyable experience for them, building the capacity, capability and sustainability of the museum.
“I’d also like to congratulate the Lower Lachlan Community Services on being awarded funding for the replacement of the building’s roof. The new roof will allow the not-for-profit organisation to continue providing quality services and information to the people of Lake Cargelligo out of its community hub.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this latest injection of Government support for 24 individual projects nationwide came at a critical time.
“While we’ve seen good rainfall in some parts of Australia, there are still many regional and remote communities continuing to battle the impacts of drought,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This has been further compounded by the additional challenges of COVID-19 and, in some parts, bushfires, making our ongoing support all the more vital.
“The Australian Government’s $15 million commitment to the FRRR Tackling Tough Times Together program supports hundreds of projects run by local groups in drought-affected regional communities, fostering social connection, enhancing community identities and supporting the recovery of the local economy.
“The past year has been difficult for many, however rural and regional Australians continue to show remarkable grit and resilience.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the latest funding was once again aimed at reducing social isolation or responding to individual and community challenges.
“I urge all community groups in drought-affected areas to apply for funding under the Tackling Tough Times Together program to bring their much-needed initiatives to life,” Minister Littleproud said.
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at regional.gov.au/regional/programs.
