At tonight’s Council Meeting, Council awarded more than $30,000 to 13 community groups as part of the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.

The successful applicants received funding under the Community Support Grant Program and the Heritage Grant Program for a range of programs, events and projects, including:

• Brentwood Residents Activities Group – Story of Sheila Hall
• Gosford Regional Community Services – improve learning facility for the group
• Erina Baptist Community Care Ltd – Clean Up Surrounds
• Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc Central Coast – Summer equipment renewal project
• CWA of NSW Mannering Park Branch – purchase of Defibrillator for all hall users/rates rebate
• Davistown Progress Association Inc – rate assistance Davistown Progress Hall
• Anglican parish of Wyong – new chairs for church hall
• Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) – Access All Areas Community Festival on Mann Street
• Gosford Regional Community Services – Place Making Project Support
• Ettalong Baptist Church – Ettalong community event
• Historic Boatshed, Mangrove Walk, Hardys Bay – conservation of valuable heritage building
• ‘Lerida’, Narara – research history on property, people and history of the area
• Wesleyan Chapel, Gunderman – repairs to help conserve the historical building.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council is committed to supporting the community through its Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program.

“We are receiving a wide range of great applications from our community that are all aimed at putting the Coast on the map and making it a better place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Smith said.

“Our grant program helps our community deliver quality programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate our local community and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.

“Round two of our Grants and Sponsorship Funding program is now open and I encourage everyone with a big idea to have a look into how Council can help make your project become a reality.”

Come along to the final information session on Thursday 15 February from 5.30-7pm at the Erina Centre (next to the Library) and find out how the 2017/18 Community Grants and Sponsorship Funding program can get that next big idea off the ground.

Drop-in sessions will also be held from 2-4pm on Thursday 22 February at Blue Haven Community Centre and on Friday 23 February at Kincumber Library, where applicants can get last minute advice from staff with their proposed application.

Applications close Wednesday 28 February, find out more by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/makeithappen