Grants approved for Stronger Communities Program

Posted February 25, 2020

Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has welcomed the Government's final approval of all 19 grants shortlisted for Mayo under the Stronger Communities Program.

"This is good news for our electorate because these funds help grassroots organisations build up their communities and make them better places to live and work, which is what this program is all about," Rebekha said.

The successful applicants announced in Mayo to date include:

• The Aldinga Bay Bowling Club which received $8,380 for new mowing equipment
• The Mylor Citizens Friendship Club which received $8,500 to install airconditioning
• The Callington Recreation Park which received $6,685 to purchase an electronic scoreboard for football and cricket matches
• The Willunga Bowling Club which received $5,696 for shade structures
• The Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club which received $5,542 to set up a “pop-up kitchen” for the summer while their storm-damaged clubrooms are being replaced
• The Mount Barker Tennis Club which received $5,000 to build an undercover area
• The Yankalilla Hockey Club which received $4,000 to install solar panels
• The Parawa Progress Association which received $2,637 to install airconditioning
• The Houghton Districts Football Club which received $2,500 to upgrade canteen facilities
• The Nairne Oval Committee which received $10,000 for upgrades to oval and clubroom facilities
• The Meadows Bowling Club which received $9,537 for new carpet and flooring in their clubrooms
• The Anglican Church in Victor Harbor which received $3,960 for the installation of two airconditioners in their community hall
• The Echunga Community Association which received $6,563 for the revitalisation of Woodgate Park playground in Echunga
• The Stirling Community Theatre which received $8,000 to upgrade stage lighting, sound, and communications equipment
• The Hawthorndene Primary School Parents and Friends Committee which received $16,000 to upgrade the playground at Hawthorndene Primary School
• The Advance Kingscote Progress Association which received $8,500 to create an Art Trail around the hub of Kingscote
• The Goolwa Uniting Church which received $20,000 to enlarge its kitchen to feed the homeless, disabled and marginalised in and around Goolwa
• The Summit Community Centre which received $6,000 to create a nature play space and community gardens in Norton Summit
• The Prospect Hill Community Association which received $12,500 for the Prospect Hill Historical Museum restoration of the historic Griggs' family home.

Round 5 of the Stronger Communities Program opened in August last year.

The $22.65 million national funding stream offered up to $150,000 to each of the 151 electorates in Australia for small capital projects to improve community facilities.

Eligible community groups could apply for grants between $2,500 and $20,000 from the Federal Government and were required to match the project funds with their own finances or in-kind support.

"I elected to have an independent committee of community leaders shortlist the large number of expressions of interest we received for Mayo's $150,000 allocation," Rebekha said.

"Our committee used their local knowledge to prioritise the projects that would bring social benefits to our region.

"As you can see from the 19 successful applications, the chosen projects cover the length and breadth of our electorate and provide practical assistance to volunteer-run clubs and organisations.

"We had an enormous interest in the program and I am sure that there will be future rounds."