COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUNDING FOR GUNDAGAI NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE AND BOYS TO THE BUSH
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc will receive $42,766 and Boys to the Bush at Young has received $49,970 under the NSW Government’s COVID Regional Community Support program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the funding boost for these community-led initiatives at Gundagai and Young will help these organisations respond to community needs, as well as improve the resilience and capacity of residents to face future challenges.
The $42,766 for Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre Inc will support the organisation to continue their ‘Fridays for Friendship’ weekly wellbeing sessions, while the $49,970 allocated to Boys to the Bush at Young will support the delivery of camps for disadvantaged young males and associated community engagement.
“The Covid-19 pandemic posed many challenges for people living in smaller communities over the past two years, and community-led organisations have had an important role in navigating these challenges,” Ms Cooke said.
“I am delighted this funding will support grassroots engagement, including supporting people who may be experiencing social isolation, participate in a new activity, learn new skills and generally reconnect with their community.”
Bonita Taylor from the Gundagai Neighbourhood Centre said their ‘Fridays for Friendship’ initiative came out of a community survey which indicated mental health and social isolation were ongoing issues being dealt with by the community.
This resulted in physiotherapy and art sessions in which local residents have really engaged.
“I am delighted the funding we have secured will support these sessions longer-term.”
The COVID Regional Community Support program is administered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said grants like this strengthen the capacity of regionally based organisations that played a critical role in supporting communities throughout the pandemic.
“Being able to support the many community organisations and not-for-profits which have gone above and beyond for their communities during such difficult times and enable them to be better prepared in the future, is important to the ongoing sustainability and vibrancy of these communities,” Ms Egleton said.
NSW COVID Regional Community Support Program (CRCS) recognises that locally-based groups in remote, rural and regional NSW played a critical role in supporting their communities to navigate the impacts of COVID.
CRCS is a two-part program, designed to support eligible not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and associated volunteer-based organisations that were involved in supporting individuals and families affected by COVID lockdowns.
For more information please visit: Resilience NSW COVID Regional Community Support Program | FRRR
