Port Macquarie Hastings Council awards grants to community groups

TWELVE community groups and five major event organisers have been awarded funding by Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

They are Lifeline Mid North Coast, St Agnes’ Care and Lifestyle, My Selfcare Community, Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie, Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council, St Thomas Anglican Church, Hastings District Flying Club and Flying School, Pappinbarra Progress Association, Laurie Street Heritage, Bonny Hills Progress Association, Byabarra Sports and Tennis Club, and the Beach to Beach Shared Pathway.

The event grants went to the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, Wauchope Highland Gathering, RunHaven, Business Port Macquarie, and the Camden Haven Show.

Council estimates that these initiatives will attract 18,000 attendees and deliver more than $5 million in economic impact.

Jenny Higgins of the Flamin’ Dragons dragonboating club was delighted by the grant.

“We take out young students and people with a disability who find our paddles heavy and difficult to manage; this funding will allow us to purchase lighter paddles, which will be accessible to everyone,” she said.

Individual projects funded encompass the arts, disability, NAIDOC, sport, signage and small infrastructure, as well as New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Penny Small, President of the Beach-to-Beach Shared Pathway, was thrilled with the project’s grant of $5,000.

She told News Of The Area that it is “earmarked for a key infrastructure boost near the Dunbogan Boatshed”.

“Planned works include a 14-space bike rack to encourage cycling along the local pathway; a new public bench for residents and visitors to enjoy the waterfront; and repairs to the retaining wall,” she said.

“These additions aim to enhance the accessibility and amenity of the Dunbogan area for the entire committee.”

The grants program supports local not-for-profit organisations to fund initiatives that are inclusive and connect the community.

By Rachael THORPE