Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina, recently announced the electorate of Ballina has secured $400,000 in funding for a total of 14 projects through the NSW Government's 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.
Local volunteer groups are the backbone of our community, Ms Smith said. "I am pleased that these groups can improve on their infrastructure and make life a little easier for their volunteers.
"We saw the power of volunteer groups and the commendable work they did during last year's flood events; it makes sense to support these groups that have been there for us."
Ms Smith said the State Government funds would deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities, including the provision of transport for cancer patients in Byron Bay, the upgrade of radio equipment at the Marine Rescue tower, night vision goggles for emergency fire-flood response for CareFlight and the creation of a community space for Wardell CORE.
"This is fantastic news for our region," Ms Smith said. "This grassroots funding will directly help create a more resilient and inclusive local community with positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.
"I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.
"This year, there is $400,000 to allocate in each electorate. Applications for the 2023 Program open in May. I encourage community groups in my electorate to apply," Ms Smith said The Member for Ballina has assisted more than 100 community organisations and delivered $2.3 million in grants through the program since she was elected in 2015.
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 16,000 community projects since it began in 2009.
