Community initiatives get a $37K boost from Council funding program

Published on 06 September 2019

A total of $37,000 funding has been awarded to nine community projects as part of Byron Shire Council’s annual Community Initiatives Program.

“We have a wonderfully creative community and so many motivated groups who are driving and delivering fantastic initiatives across the Shire and this funding program is one practical way Council can make a financial contribution that can make a real difference,” Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson said.

“This year, grants of $5000 have been awarded to the Japanese Youth Drum Project, Bangalow Koalas, Seabin Foundation, Byron Youth Theatre, Big Scrub Landcare, Shedding Community Workshop and Sprung! Integrated Dance Theatre – all very worthy recipients and we congratulate them all.

"From producing an accessible inclusive cabaret, to teaching the community tiny house building skills, to engaging young people in culturally diverse music workshops, all of our grant recipient’s projects contribute to the richness of our experiences in the Byron Shire,” he said.

“At Council, our focus is on helping community groups in the early stages of their projects, to give them the greatest chance of continued success.  We’ve seen how from little things big and wonderful things grow as demonstrated in many examples across the Shire."

"The Shedding Community Workshop group received its first $5K grant from Council in 2017/18 and has grown to the point where it is now talking with regional and state organisations about partnering opportunities,” Mayor Richardson said.

“We are proud to have nurtured the growth of their tiny house building workshop initiative and to offer support as they get ready to apply for larger grants from the state and federal government.

"This is the purpose of this grant program – to build the capacity of our community groups so they can grow their own success stories,” he said.

In addition, grants of $1000 were awarded to the Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce towards the cost of road closures and waste management for this year’s Mullum2Bruns Paddle, and to the Bangalow Lions Club to cover similar costs for the Bangalow Billycart Derby.

While the Community Initiatives funding program has concluded for 2019/20, community groups are encouraged to find out more about Council’s Community Initiatives Program any time of the year on Council’s website.

Community groups must be incorporated organisations or auspiced by an incorporated organisation to apply.  For more information see Council’s Community Initiatives Program policy and supporting documents at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/grants.

For further information contact Council’s Community Project Officer Joanne McMurtry on 02 6626 7316.