Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie said, “This funding program has made a tremendous change to many local organisations across the electorate and I am pleased to announce two more successful grant applications totalling more than $178,000. 

“It is really important that Governments do everything they can to support community groups to undertake improvements to their facilities particularly by using local tradespeople wherever possible,” Mrs Williams said.

The Bonny Hills Progress Association has been granted $68,290 to expand the Bonny Hills Community Hall. The hall has become unfit for purpose given its age and increased demands by a larger number of community organisations and members.  

The Port Macquarie Sea Scouts Boating Centre is set to be completely rebuilt following approval of a grant for $109,733.

The current building is an integral part of youth water safety training service provided by the Sea Scouts.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said $100 million was being distributed across regional NSW, with regional communities set to benefit from more than 550 new projects.

“Locals across regional NSW are seeing the benefits of rounds one and two of the Fund, with projects making a big difference to everyday life, from new playgrounds loved by kids to light towers illuminating sporting fields,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are funding grassroots projects that make a real difference to each community, and we know how important it is to support our regional towns with new infrastructure and programs.”

The $400 million Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is being invested in local programs and infrastructure that improve the lives of people living in regional NSW.