The latest round of Cowra Shire Council’s Community Grants Program has seen 17 community organisations benefit from a total of $23,111.90 in funding.
Groups from Woodstock, Wattamondara, Morongla as well as Cowra, have been recipients of funding through the initiative, which has been driven by Cowra Shire Council for the past nine years.
The program, which has now run over 19 rounds and funded 361 projects, has contributed a total of $430,034.74 to community groups and has proven invaluable for many clubs and associations, especially after the challenges faced in recent years, including the global pandemic and devastating floods.
Mayor Paul Smith expressed gratitude for the wide range of organisations within the Cowra community.
“The grants have been crucial for these groups to continue their operations, assisting with the replacement of equipment, the purchase of new stock, or the running of their activities, especially in recent times,” said Mayor Smith.
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“Volunteers are the heart of our community and their unwavering dedication plays a fundamental role in the success of countless initiatives across Cowra Shire. I am constantly inspired by their generosity and commitment. At the same time, the support provided by grants is vital in ensuring that these volunteer groups can keep up their essential work.”
Mayor Smith’s sentiments were shared by several deserving recipients at the presentation on Monday morning, including Ray Walsh, president of the Cowra District Historical Society and Museum Inc., who emphasised the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining volunteers. "It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find and maintain volunteers to run these organisations, and the support we receive from grants like these is crucial to keeping us operational," said Mr. Walsh.
Jason Gavenlock also highlighted the wider impact of grants, stating, "These grants have a significant effect on community organisations and often benefit more than just the group applying. For instance, this grant was awarded to the Cowra and District Pony Club, but it will also support other users of the Cowra Showground, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Cowra community."
Some other recipients in this round of funding included Cowra District Aero Club which received $2,000.00 to assist with purchasing and installation of a new freestanding oven, Wattamondara Recreational Ground Trust, which was granted $1000 for a Bain Marie for use in Community events at the Hall and Cowra Uniting Church Food Hall which received $1000.00 to purchase a second laptop computer to assist with food item registration and tallying purchases.
