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Community Groups to Benefit after appointment of first council grants specialist
Last modified: May 16, 2008 - 3:36 PM
The Upper Hunter Shire Council has appointed its first Community Grants Officer, to help local community groups source extra funding for their work.
It is hoped the scheme will reap a big financial windfall for local groups and businesses after a pilot programme at the Singleton Council secured $1.2 million for projects in and near the town.
Local sports, community and welfare groups will get extra help to identify and develop major projects and to seek funding from the state and federal government and other funding bodies.
Coal & Allied’s Community Trust has funded the new position, after committing more than $800,000 to help the Upper Hunter Shire Council and three other local councils hire grants officers.
Amelia Hohnen, the new Community Grants Officer, said she was thrilled to be working on the project.
“We are looking to develop a register of groups and projects within the Upper Hunter Shire so that projects can be better co-ordinated and larger grants sourced where possible,” Ms Hohnen said.
“There is a great opportunity for larger regional projects through the Grant Officer network that will be established with Muswellbrook and Cessnock shires.”
The Singleton Shire Council grants officer programme is continuing after its successful trial last year.
The individual Grants Officers will seek out potential funding sources and provide information and guidance to local organisations to help them achieve success in obtaining access to those funds.
Upper Hunter Shire Council General Manager Daryl Dutton said: “This is a fantastic initiative of the Coal & Allied Community Trust, which will assist in providing many social, cultural and economic benefits to the whole shire.
“Upper Hunter Shire has many worthy community groups, sporting bodies, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses, and we believe this project will help to give them a much needed boost.
“This programme will be an opportunity for them to work in partnership with the council and Coal & Allied, which will benefit them and the community as a whole.”
Coal & Allied Community Trust Executive Officer, Stephen Sneddon, said the partnership will also provide community groups with the opportunity to learn new skills and will provide practical, tangible support to local community groups.
“We are proud to be doing what we can to make a more sustainable local community,” Mr Sneddon said.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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