Blackwood Environmental Society and Shire of Manjimup awarded Federal funding

The Blackwood Environment Society and Shire of Manjimup have been awarded funding by the Federal Government as a part of the Rebuilding Regional Communities grants program.

The two groups were the only Western Australian projects selected of 34 that were funded nationally in the second round of grants, worth a total over $288,000.

O’Connor MP Rick Wilson congratulated both groups for receiving micro-grants and said the funding help with projects in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Federal Coalition designed the program to help get the country back on track following the pandemic and I applaud the initiative of these two Lower Great Southern organisations in putting strong projects forward,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Blackwood Environment Society, based in Bridgetown, will receive $8149 to encourage volunteers to sustain the society’s work in the wake of COVID-19 by providing people undertaking Bushcare projects with added safety measures ,including hygienic personal protective equipment.”

“And the Shire of Manjimup will receive $4100 to foster a stronger, more resilient community and address social isolation as we emerge from the pandemic by bringing young children together to participate in fun, interactive science workshops.”

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Federal Government was committed in supporting regional communities through funding.

“Our government is committed to backing regional, rural and remote communities, which continue to face challenges from the pandemic,” she said.

“That’s why we’ve invested $5 million towards this vital program, which is already supporting some incredible community-led initiatives that are making a real difference in their regions.”

“I look forward to seeing the benefits flow from this next round of projects.”

Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal would benefit regions’ economies and morale through their program and grants.

“Our investment in FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program not only helps make community-led projects a reality, it supports local jobs and economic stimulus at a time it’s needed most,” she said.

“These sorts of initiatives deliver remarkable outcomes for their communities while boosting local morale, making for an even bigger impact in the region.”

Under the program, community groups, local governments and not-for-profit organisations receive micro-grants up to $10,000, or larger grants up to $50,000, to deliver projects that benefit regional, rural and remote areas recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.