Community grants spread far and wide

Published on 26 November 2020

Council's latest round of grants will add some Christmas cheer to the city whilst helping local community groups.

Round 2 of the Community Assistance Grants were considered at last night's Council meeting, with Councillors voting to utilise the $59,550 available across community projects, Christmas decorations, and waiving of fees.

Broken Hill Community Inc received $10,000 to upgrade their rainwater tanks, while the Broken Hill Desert Rats and Rod & Custom Car Club secured $7,500 for a spectator fence at the Broken Hill Motor Sports Facility.

$6000 in funds were quarantined for an annual grant to assist the Broken Hill Golf Club, $5,000 went to Compass Housing Services for a new BBQ trailer, and the Clontarf Foundation received $2,594 for an equipment trailer for students.

Smaller Grants went to the North Broken Hill Bowling Club (signage), the Broken Hill FM Association (new UPS battery system) and Under The Silver Tree Bookshop (new laptop).

With $25,000 remaining in the funding pool once grants were awarded, Councillors agreed to provide $6,366 to waive fees for sporting groups who utilise the Memorial Oval, with the remaining $18,627 to go toward Christmas decorations.

Community Assistance Grants Committee Chair, Cr Dave Gallagher, said the funding spread was a good outcome.

"It shows the flexibility of the grants program and how it can be used across many different parts of our community," he said.

"Most importantly the money goes back into the community and isn't left sitting in Council coffers."

Mayor Darriea AM said extra money toward brightening up the city for Christmas was also welcome.

"That extra money will be used to buy decorations and also help offset the cost of businesses who are doing their own decorations,” she said.

"Businesses are reminded to take advantage of the decoration subsidy on offer, with Council matching decoration costs dollar-for-dollar up to $250."

Businesses wishing to utilise the decoration subsidy can do so here, and community groups wishing to apply for the next round of Community Assistance Grants can do so here.