Nine community groups share in funds from Narrabri Shire grants program

The dedication of community groups has been placed in the spotlight through the presentation of Narrabri Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Grants.

Nine organisations were announced as successful recipients in the second round of the initiative which distributed $42,460.51 worth of grant funding to groups making a great impact in the shire area.

The financial assistance grants support capacity-building events, projects, programs, and activities, that deliver both social and economic benefits to the wider shire community.

At the presentation ceremony on Thursday, mayor Darrell Tiemens praised the diverse range of successful applicants for their unique contributions to the shire, from “emergency support, to town events, and educating young minds.”

“I would like to offer my congratulations to all of you and thank you again for the crucial contribution you continue to make to the Narrabri Shire,” said Cr Tiemens.

“The dedication of not-for-profit groups and clubs such as yourselves and the vital role you play in reinvigorating our community through sporting and social events is nothing short of admirable.”

“Each of your applications highlighted how your group will contribute to an ‘empowered, inclusive and connected community’ as outlined in the council’s community strategic plan.”

Each recipient received a certificate and had the opportunity to give a speech on behalf of their organisation.

The Baan Baa Community Hall Inc received a $5000 grant to upgrade the water connection costs from the mains to the 100-year-old hall and the fire hose reel purchase and installation.

Hall secretary and treasurer Ellen McClung spoke about what the addition will mean to the preservation of the hall in the small village of Baan Baa.

“We would like to thank the Narrabri Shire council for supporting a project we have been wanting to complete for a long time, which is the installation of a fire hose connecting the hall to town water.

“Nothing has highlighted how important this project is going to be for our community hall than our recent bushfires, which came way too scarily close to Baan Baa and surrounds for comfort.

“We are absolutely committed to continuing to improve and maintain a wonderful building and facility that has been an integral part of our community for 100 years now and thank you very much.”

The council has sponsored the Lions Club of Boggabri not-for-profit community caravanning event Drovers Campfire for $6500 – $5000 for sponsorship and promotional activities and $1500 for the visitor packs for attendees of the Boggabri Drovers Campfire 2024.

The Country Education Foundation of the Namoi will receive $500 towards the costs of their 2024 Annual Presentation night.

Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce will receive $4000 towards the Christmas Street Carnival to cover the costs of the carnival, including the street closure.

Narrabri Volunteer Rescue Association Inc will receive $5000 to assist five of its members in undertaking a snake relocation training course.

Nurruby OOSH (Narrabri) will receive $5000 to run Ebonnie Whan’s Bush Kids Tucker Time program for OOSH children, which will provide children, educators, and families with more ways to promote healthy eating and eating more fresh fruit and vegetables through interactive programs like cooking classes and growing vegetables.

Council is keen to see the further development of the Rotary Club of Narrabri Markets and the event has been supported with sponsorship of $4400 for costs associated with the market operations and a further $990 to cover monthly market fees from January 2024 to June 2025 being a total of $5390.

St Joseph’s Parent & Friends Association, Wee Waa, has been supported for their application for a filtered, chilled water fountain for children to use for $2718.28.

The Wean Amateur Picnic Race Club will receive $8352.23 for the event costs associated with the 2024 Wean Amateur Picnic Races.

Kylie Finlay gave thanks on behalf of the Wean Amateur Picnic Race committee and president Robert Groth.

“Our club has been running the picnic races for 91 years, and like many other clubs and committees, we are still emerging from the difficulties presented by COVID and the drought,” said Kylie.

“The sponsorship will ensure we can continue to host a quality event and stay viable for many years to come.”

She was also really thankful for grant coordinator Catherine Davis’ assistance with the application process, and the assistance of the online application tutorial webinar.

The next webinar session will be on Monday, March 18, and Catherine also urges anyone needing further assistance with the application process to contact the Narrabri Shire Council’s grants team.