Applications for Round Two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund - Community Grants Program are now open, following the successful sharing of more than $250,000 among 14 local not-for-profit groups under round one program funding.

The funding is available as part of the $10 million Stronger Communities Fund provided to Central Coast Council as part of the local government amalgamations, with $1 million earmarked for local community group grants over the next three years.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Community Grants Program fosters projects that help create a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.

“Successful round one recipients have been using their funding towards building community gardens, improving sports facilities and amenities, enhancing community centres and supporting a healthy and happy community through a range of support programs and activities,” said Mr Reynolds.

“Council is encouraging as many sporting, cultural, environmental and other not-for-profit organisations to apply for round two funding to continue in their endeavours to make the Central Coast a great place to live, work and play.”

Round one recipient and Davistown Progress Association President, Mrs Jenny McCulla, said the Stronger Communities Fund grant has enabled residents to come together to participate in the Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project.

“The Stronger Communities funding has helped our local community provide a much needed makeover for the historic Davistown Progress Hall,” said Mrs McCulla.

“The 100 year anniversary of the hall is approaching in a few years and locals have banded together to reinvigorate this facility as a community focal point and meeting place.

“The grant has enabled us to undertake works including replacements and refurbishments, improved drainage and landscaping to help restore the venue. It has given our community a collective purpose — with residents even devising a watering roster to ensure the new gardens have been maintained throughout this summer’s heatwave conditions.”

The first round of the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program has already created many success stories. To support local organisations in applying for round two funding, council is once again holding a series of public information sessions for interested groups to find out more. Sessions will be held on:

Tuesday 31 January

10am – 11am: Central Coast Council, Gosford Office
Level 1, 49 Mann Street, Gosford.

Wednesday 1 February

2pm – 3pm: Central Coast Council, Wyong Office
2 Hely Street, Wyong.

Thursday 2 February

5.30pm – 6.30pm: Regional Development Australia (RDA)
Central Coast Office, North Loop Road, Central Coast Campus
10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah.

Round two applications for the Stronger Communities Fund – Community Grants Program close on Friday 24 February 2017. For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au