They had been successful in obtaining a $20 000 grant under the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

It will help go toward fitting out their shed – a long-term project they have struggled to get support for.

The Stronger Communities programme funds small capital projects in local communities with funding of $150,000 per electorate per year. 

The project runs for two years commencing 2015-16 with grants between $5,000 and $20,000 available – all applicants need to confirm matched funding in cash and/or in-kind on at least a dollar for dollar basis. 

Mr Fitzgibbon said that the community grants would be a big help to these local community groups. 

“I know how hard it is for local groups to fundraise to upgrade facilities and replace items.  It can take months and years for volunteers in small organisations to raise this type of money for capital works projects,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. 

“I congratulate and thank all of the organisations for their quality submissions,” he said.

The successful applications under Round 1 for the Hunter electorate are: