Community members asked to rise to the challenge
The Lachlan Region Community Grants program is calling on local residents to rise to the challenge of helping boost the Lachlan region.
EO of Western Plains Regional Development Inc, Tammy Bugg, says there is a two-fold challenge.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF), up to $125,000 can be shared across projects that address priority local issues,” Ms Bugg explained.
“But to have that much to distribute, we need to raise $25,000 ourselves. VFFF has awarded the Lachlan Region Community Grants Program what is known as a challenge grant. That means that this year, if we can raise $25,000 locally, they will contribute $100,000.” Ms Bugg explained, “So every dollar raised locally, becomes $4 back into great community projects.”
“We need everyone’s help to raise the $25,000, so we can support more local community projects. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) hosts a ‘donation account’ for this Program, so it’s really easy for anyone to make a tax deductible donation. Even $5 helps! The funds go directly towards the grants, so you can help make a real difference to your local community. To donate, simply visit www.frrr.org.au.au/donate and follow the links to donate to the Lachlan Region Account,” Ms Bugg explained.
Ms Bugg says the second part of the challenge is for local community organisations to develop innovative projects that will make Lachlan Shire even more vibrant.
“Through this grants program, we have a great opportunity to address some of the challenges that we face in Lachlan Shire,” she said.
“This includes issues like youth well-being, education and training, local skill development, early years intervention and parental capacity building, access to services and opportunities (combatting isolation), and allied health. But projects can be for anything charitable that local community organisations feel would boost the Lachlan region,” Ms Bugg explained.
Community groups are encouraged to read the guidelines and application forms carefully. Projects must be for a charitable purpose (and benefit the whole community) and to be eligible to apply, organisations must be not-for-profit and have an ABN or Incorporation Certificate.
Applications opened on 12 August and close on 14 October. Applications will then be assessed by a panel of local community members, supported by representatives from VFFF, FRRR and WPRD.