Georges River Council today became the first council NSW to distribute funds from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Grants program.
A total of $1 million was distributed to 27 community groups representing all facets of community life from culture and arts, environment and conservation and sport and recreation ranging in value from $10,000 to $50,000.
The Stronger Communities Fund has been established by the NSW Government to provide new amalgamated councils with funding to kick start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.
NSW Local Government Minister Paul Toole presented the Stronger Communities Grants and certificates to the successful recipients this afternoon at a ceremony at the Booth Saunders Pavilion at Hurstville Oval.
He was assisted in presenting the grants by Member for Oatley Mark Coure.
Mr Toole praised Georges River Council staff, administrator John Rayner and general manager Gail Connolly for working with the community for the smooth transition since the amalgamation of Hurstville and Kogarah councils.
“This council is leading the way in making the connection between community groups and the council to work together,” he said.
Mr Toole said the $1 million in grants will help the 27 community groups will make a tangible contribution to the lives of thousands of people across the Georges River local government area.
Administrator John Rayner said the presentation of the $1million in grants to the community groups will have a major flow-on effect worth triple the value.
“This means that the council and the community groups are now able to bring forward up to $3 million worth of projects,” Mr Rayner said.
“The $1 million also combines with grants from the Federal government, State governments and clubs both in cash and in-kind from the organisations themselves.”