It was a great day for 15 community groups in the Hastings region who were awarded a grant from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on May 28.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor, Peta Pinson said she was delighted to be able to hand out more than $69,000 to 15 community organisations, assisting them in delivering a range of exciting initiatives for the benefit of the community.
“It is fantastic to be able to assist our dedicated volunteer community groups right across the Hastings in their quest to improve our communities,” Cr Pinson said.
“Of the 35 applications we received 15 were successful and the money will be used for a range of things.
“It gives me great joy to stand in front of everyone and assist the groups in their abilities to host events or help fund club improvements.
“The Community Grants Program aims to help fund projects to benefit the Hastings, this money is not a hand out but rather a hand up for the better of everyone.”
The Port Macquarie Womens Shed was successful in its application, and secretary, Jeannie Sainty said the club will use the money to buy tools.
“Earlier this year we were able to secure a space to meet and the money we have received today will allow us to go and buy a range of tools including sewing equipment and power tools,” Ms Sainty said.
“Now we have a space we are able to go and purchase the tools we would like to use to learn new skills.”
Ms Sainty said the club had a growing membership of women who will be able to use the tools.
“We have a club of 65 members who meet each Sunday and I think they are an amazing group of women and I know we are all very excited about getting this money,” she said.
“It will go a long way to boosting our facilities and allowing us to expand our skills which is fantastic.”
Wauchope Patchwork Quilters Inc were also successful in receiving money totalling nearly $3,000 for a defibrillator, according to Erica Taig.
“We are so grateful that we were successful in this round of funding, and with our money we are going to purchase a defibrillator which will be housed at the Rotary Hall in Wauchope,” Ms Taig said.
“A number of community groups use the hall – including us twice a week – and after a few close calls last year we really wanted to get something that will help not just our group but the whole community.
“I think the fact that many of the people who use the hall are elderly this equipment could help save a life and that is so important.”
She said now the club has the money the installation of the defibrillator will come in the coming weeks.
“To put the application in we had to get several quotes so now that we have the money there will be no more delays in purchasing the defibrillator and getting it installed,” she said.
“Once we have it we will also get the clubs that use the hall to get some training to use it properly.”
Community grant recipients:
- Wauchope Patchwork Quilters Inc
- PMQ Womens Shed
- Laurieton Mens shed
- Telegraph Point Community Association
- Hollisdale Rural Fire Brigade
- Comboyne Community Association
- Energy Forever
- Port Macquarie-Hastings Justice of the Peace
- Creek to Creek
- Douglas Vale Conservation Group
- Bonny Hills Progress Association
- Hastings District Flying Club
- Port Macquarie and District Family History
- Tacking Point Surf Club
- Friends of Mrs York’s Garden