Applications are now open for the latest round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
There is $100 million available for projects across regional NSW, with up to half of that dedicated to delivering projects to improve female participation in sport, including change rooms.
Applications close on 25 June, 2021. For more information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF
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The Regional Job Creation Fund is all about leveraging private sector investment to provide economic stimulus, delivering long-term, sustainable jobs for regional areas. Last week I was pleased to announce that Dubbo icon The Little Big Dairy co had received $500,000 from the fund to help fund the construction of a new shed for storage and office space, along with the purchase of a fully automatic wraparound case packing machine to replace its hand-packing system. Little Big Dairy produces 5 million litres of milk each year, and until now, each and every bottle has been packed into boxes by hand!
The upgrades will reduce waste by 40%, double their capacity to 10 million litres per year by 2024, and double staffing levels from about 40 to 80 within three years – a terrific outcome for a local business!
On a larger scale, Fletcher International Exports received a $4.5 million grant to facilitate a $14 million expansion, increasing its processing capacity to 11,000 head per day and creating more than 400 ongoing full-time jobs! Director Roger Fletcher said “in all my years in business, I’ve never seen a government invest in jobs for the bush like this, and I can’t wait to get the expansion completed and provide more opportunities for people to get into the workforce”.
Both of these investments demonstrate the value of governments and businesses working together to build and stronger, safer regional NSW!
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On a smaller scale, I was delighted to attend a Geurie Goats rugby team training session recently to announce $6988 from the Local Sports Grants Program to upgrade the lights at their home ground. It means the 2018 premiers will have every opportunity to train during the darker winter months!
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There were plenty of reasons to celebrate in Dubbo last week as we marked 100 new homes delivered through the NSW Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Fund. These homes are reducing housing stress and providing stability to vulnerable people in our community – including those with a disability and the elderly.
Dubbo’s Wally Flynn OAM has been in his SAHF house for two years and takes great pride in his over-55s community – and his garden! Minister Gareth Ward and I took great pride in wishing Wally an early Happy Birthday ahead of his 90th this week!