Community projects across Queensland & New South Wales cotton-growing areas to benefit
Bendigo, 17 February 2015: Thirty community initiatives in cotton-growing towns across Queensland and New South Wales have been awarded a total of $150,000 in grants by the Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
After receiving more than 150 nominations for the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program, FRRR has selected 30 nominations made by cotton farmers in support of not-for-profit initiatives that will make a big difference in their local communities. Recipients will each receive a $5,000 grant.
FRRR Chief Executive, Alexandra Gartmann, said cotton growers responded very positively to the grants program, with the number of nominations received exceeding expectations.
“The Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities initiative provides a way for cotton growers to give back to the towns that support them, through prosperous and tough times. From the response we saw to this program, it’s clear that cotton farmers were keen to recognise good work being done by their local communities and obtain additional support for key projects,” Ms Gartmann said.
“Many cotton farmers and their communities have been under pressure in recent times, particularly with dry conditions in Queensland and parts of New South Wales. This grants program as an easy way for growers to give back to the towns that support them.”
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said the $150,000 in community grants would be a welcome lift for many towns.
“It’s small but important community projects like the ones this initiative has recognised that bring our cotton growing communities together,” Mr Kay said.
“Every town has organisations and volunteers who are essential to its community spirit, and it is that community spirit that cotton farmers can rely on when the going gets tough. Giving a helping hand to these organisations is a great way to give our communities a boost.”
Monsanto Fund representative Adam Blight said the initiative had demonstrated how passionate cotton farmers are about their communities.
“Farmers and their towns rely on each other, so keeping cotton communities strong helps keep growers strong,” Mr Blight said.
“This program is about giving back to those communities and recognising the positive impact they have, not just for farmers, but everyone who is a part of cotton growing towns across Queensland and New South Wales.
“It has been fantastic to partner with the FRRR and cotton growers on this very worthwhile program, which recognises the importance of Australian agricultural communities.”
For more details on Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities, visit www.aussiecottonfarmers.com.au.
For a full list of successful nominations and their projects for 2015, see below.
|
Organisation
|
Project |
Cotton Grower Region |
Grant |
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| QUEENSLAND | |||||||
| Cecil Plains Bush Nursing Fundraising Committee | The project will support a registered nurse to provide medical advice at the local clinic. The nurse will also conduct home visits enabling elderly citizens to stay in their homes close to family and friends whilst receiving treatment. |
Darling Downs |
$5,000 |
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| Cecil Plains Crier Association | Upgrading the printers will enable the association to improve the print quality of the free community newspaper which has been in circulation for 23 years. |
Darling Downs |
$5,000 |
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| Pampas Progress Association | Repairs to the roof will preserve the Pampas Community Hall and provide the community with a safe meeting venue. |
Darling Downs |
$5,000 |
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| Rotary Club of Dalby Inc | This project will enable the local Men’s Shed to purchase equipment and provide first aid training to several of their newest members. The Shed is a place for men with time on their hands to meet others, undertake projects and learn new skills. |
Darling Downs |
$5,000 |
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| Emerald & District Social Development Association Inc | The installation of a solar power system on the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre will reduce their running costs and increase the association’s sustainability. |
Central Highlands |
$5,000 |
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| Emerald Show Society Inc. | This project will develop the ‘Little Hands on the Farm’ education program. The program will allow children to get their hands dirty whilst learning about the food and fibre industries and improving their awareness of food production. |
Central Highlands |
$5,000 |
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| St George Bowls Club | The installation of sun smart shades around the bowling greens will provide much needed protection from the weather. The Bowls Club is an affordable venue for community groups that wish to hold larger functions and events. |
St George |
$5,000 |
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| St George Golf Club Inc | The installation of new BBQ facilities at the golf club will provide local community groups and organisations with an affordable venue to host fundraising functions and charity events. |
St George |
$5,000 |
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| Theodore Chamber of Commerce | This project will contribute to the town’s Tourist Centre by funding the installation of a new roof on the Old Railway Building. |
Dawson Valley |
$5,000 |
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| Dirranbandi Arts Council Inc (DAC) | The installation of an interactive audio panel will enhance tourism and economic development. Visitors to Dirranbandi will learn about the town’s unique history of floods, drought, isolation, indigenous groups, environment and land use. |
Dirranbandi |
$5,000 |
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| Boomi Artesian Baths Committee | The elderly, disabled and mothers with small children will benefit from a removable staircase in the community pool. This allows safe entry and exit and helps build water confidence in small children. |
MacIntyre Valley |
$5,000 |
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| Boomi Community Co-Operative Ltd | The installation of a solar system on the community convenience store will reduce their running costs and increase the organisations sustainability. |
MacIntyre Valley |
$5,000 |
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| Tulloona Public School P&C Association | The project will enable students to access education opportunities through a subsidised transport program. |
MacIntyre Valley |
$5,000 |
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| NEW SOUTH WALES | |||||||
| Namoi Aero Club Inc (NAC) | Enhancements to the Namoi Aero Club meeting and hanger infrastructure will benefit emergency services and the flying community. |
Lower Namoi |
$5,000 |
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| Rotary Club of Narrabri | The installation of a Liberty Swing will provide children with disabilities with access to equivalent play equipment at the park. |
Lower Namoi |
$5,000 |
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| Wee Waa & District Historical Society Incorporated | Fencing and protecting the outdoor exhibits will preserve the community connection with the past. |
Lower Namoi |
$5,000 |
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| Croppa Creek Bowling Club Ltd | Upgrading the Club kitchen by updating the stove, installing a new bench and fixing the plumbing will improve food handling and safety standards at community functions. |
Gwydir Valley |
$5,000 |
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| Garah P&C Assoc | This project will enhance students’ educational outcomes and support the community reading program run by parents and community members. |
Gwydir Valley |
$5,000 |
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| Gwydir District Mobile Preschool | The project will enable the communities of Moree, Garah, Boomi, Bellata, Mallawa, Pallamallawa and Croppa Creek to access early childhood education through a subsidised mobile preschool service. |
Gwydir Valley |
$5,000 |
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| CWA NSW – Warren Branch | Maintenance work to the exterior of CWA hall will preserve the building, providing the community with a meeting place and venue for classes. |
Macquarie |
$5,000 |
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| Narromine Town Playgroup (Playgroup Association of NSW Inc) | A professional safety assessment, maintenance work and resurfacing of the outdoor area will provide a safe space for children and their parents. |
Macquarie |
$5,000 |
||||
| Warren Youth Support Group Inc | This project will support the Youth Group to construct a skate park. It will provide a social and recreational area for youth. |
Macquarie |
$5,000 |
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| Griffith Neighbourhood House Community Centre | The project will enable those less fortunate to access free meals with the mobile soup kitchen. |
Lachlan |
$5,000 |
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| Whitton Rural Fire Brigade | The purchase of a motorised Hose Drying Tower will improve the efficiency of the usually labour intensive task of storing hoses. It will also reduce the risk of injury to brigade volunteers. |
Lachlan |
$5,000 |
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| Hillston Sports Pavilion Committee Inc | This is the final improvement in a 10-year program of works at the local oval, which is used by community groups and local schools. It is the only facility within 100 kms and will fund benches enhancing the facilities at this community meeting point. | Lachlan | $5,000 | ||||
| Emerald Hill Progress Association | Upgrading the kitchen at the town hall will improve food preparation standards and a venue to host functions and events. | Upper Namoi | $5,000 | ||||
| Mullaley Public School P&C Association | The installation of a community kitchen will enable students to create meals from produce they have grown. It will instill a healthy eating lifestyle in both children and their families. | Upper Namoi | $5,000 | ||||
| Mungindi Community Preschool | The project will enable children with learning disabilities to access early childhood education in their community. Maintenance of the grounds will provide the children with a safe play area. | Mungindi water users | $5,000 | ||||
| Walgett Preschool Kindergarten Inc | Refurbishment of the outdoor area with sun shades and outdoor equipment will provide the children with a safe and stimulating play environment. | Walgett | $5,000 | ||||
| WREB Co-Op Ltd | This project will contribute to community broadcasting by supporting the radio station to develop a regular segment focused on the contibution of farming industries in the Bourke area. | Darling River Food and Fibre | $5,000 | ||||