Community Grants Program to provide assistance for projects and organisations in Wollondilly

A range of Community Grant applications will be considered at this week’s Council meeting, as Council seeks to assist projects and organisations that will strengthen and support the community at this challenging time.

Almost $47,000 of funding will be allocated to a total of 39 community based projects, arts and cultural events, sustainability projects and leisure and recreation activities that will contribute to the social and physical wellbeing of the people of Wollondilly.

Funding is also earmarked for School Citizenship Awards and community hall rate subsidies, while five community grant projects will be funded with an additional $10,000 accessed through South West Sydney Local Health District.

The 2020/21 Community Grants come at a time when the residents of Wollondilly are recovering from bushfires and floods, as well as dealing with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “The Wollondilly community is extremely resilient and we have always looked out for each other in difficult times.”

“Now more than ever we need to provide places of connection and purpose for people, whether it be through physical activity, cultural identity, caring for our local environment or supporting the community organisations that bring us together.”

This year the Community Grants Program received more applications than it ever has before.

If the recommendations are endorsed by Council, funding will go towards a wide range of projects including community workshops, craft activities, equipment for Men’s Sheds, health awareness and musical events.

Local P&Cs, Scout groups, historical societies and the CWA will also get a boost towards their programs for the year.

The applications were assessed by a panel, with initial recommendations presented to a Councillor Workshop and final recommendations going to Tuesday night’s meeting for adoption.

The program was widely promoted through print media, radio, social media and Council’s Website, with two Community Grant Information Sessions held in May for potential applicants to gain information about eligibility, process, requirements and timeframes. Funding was made available in the 2020/21 Operational Budget Financial Assistance Program.

Further to the Community Grants Program, Council has committed an additional $30,000 to support ratepayers experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19. The Covid-19 Grant has been awarded to six local organisations who will provide a range of supports to eligible applicants.