A number of local community groups are among a record number across regional NSW to benefit from Transgrid’s latest Community Partnerships Program round.
The 61 community organisations that received grants are located across the state, including Armidale, Coleambally, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Moulamein, Tumbarumba, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth and Yass.
Funding has been provided to emergency services, indigenous organisations, sport and recreation clubs, preschools, health and wellbeing initiatives, show societies, progress associations and environmental groups.
Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council has again received a grant to fund participation of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Mighty Murray Marathon annual kayaking event.
The 415km kayaking journey will be held this November.
This year’s funding is allowing 30 youths to participate in the paddle from Yarrawonga to Koondrook over five days.
Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rose Dunn said it is an increase from 20 last year.
“The name given to the journey is Marrang Tyema, which means to ‘find/discover’ in Wamba Wamba language,” Mrs Dunn said.
“The event will be a celebration of culture and country with the broader community and build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people along the Murray River.
“It gives participating youth a great opportunity to build strong friendships and relationships with the wider community, police, organisers and other competitors.”
Other grants recipients this round were as follows:
Deniliquin District Cricket Association - to purchase chairs for the community building. They are to be used by the DDCA and other local community groups such as the sit and sew women who teach and build sewing skills.
Moulamein Community Gym - for new gym equipment to replace old broken equipment, as well as providing equipment that meets specific needs. Membership fees are very low so that the gym can be accessible to all communities regardless of any financial hardships.
Moulamein Bowling Club - for yoga classes for community wellbeing.
Wanganella District Social Club - for upgrades to the Wanganella Quickfill Standpipe Hardstand. The standpipe serves the Wanganella community and local RFS brigade, facilitating quick water fills for firefighting efforts. The funding would address critical safety concerns, converting from dirt to reinforced concrete, aiming to eliminate hazards posed by the current uneven dirt surface, which becomes mud.
Moulamein Men's Shed and Rice Museum Incorporated - to enhance the woodworking program by adding a sliding table saw, expanding capabilities, safety, and ease of use.
Moulamein Football & Netball Club Inc - for carpet replacement at the clubrooms. The proposed upgrade aims to enhance player and visitor safety and improve club conditions.
Deniliquin Boat Club - for a power upgrade, installing three-phase underground power at the club to enhance community safety, ensuring reliable power for essential services, reducing outages and hazards.
Organisations seeking Community Partnerships Program funding are encouraged to apply for the next round in October.
Go to www.transgrid.com.au/community/community-partnerships-program to learn more.
Transgrid is the company proposing to build an overhead powerline network through the region, starting near Jerilderie and connecting with other transmissions lines at Swan Hill.
It is referred to as the Transgrid VNI West project.