The Stronger Communities grants will see 12 community organisations receive a cash injection to support projects that aim to enhance the social wellbeing of regional residents.
Mr Birrell said the grants of up to $20,000 supported worthy projects, including the purchase of equipment to increase participation, as well as facility upgrades to provide modern facilities for communities.
“Not-for-profit community organisations are at the heart of regional communities,” Mr Birrell said.
“Volunteers work tirelessly to fundraise to upgrade their facilities and run programs for locals, but they can’t do it on their own.
“A range of different projects will come out of this funding, and I look forward to watching them develop and locals of all ages benefit for generations to come.”
Mr Birrell said the grant round was oversubscribed and called on the Albanese Government to release more regionally focused funding programs.
“Every community project which expressed interest in these grants was of great value and would have enhanced the mental and physical wellbeing of our regions,” Mr Birrell said.
“Every day I hear from locals who have fantastic ideas for projects or need to improve their facilities, and while they endlessly fundraise, clubs need a top-up from governments.
“Many organisations are also continuing to recover from the effects of COVID-19 and the October floods.
“Clubs are building back their members, developing projects, and many need to maintain their facilities.
“It’s a disgrace the Labor Government cut regional funding streams and they must stump up money and give the clubs that improve the lives of regional people a much-needed boost.”
Stronger Community grant recipients
Kyabram Blue Light: $3000 to purchase sporting equipment and uniforms.
Goulburn Region Pre-School Association: $15,000 installation of shade structure at Nagambie Pre-school.
Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society: $20,000 refurbishment of building following floods.
Echuca Moama Men’s Shed: $4,700 to purchase workshop tools.
Broadford Scout Group: $7031 refurbishment of hall.
Scout Association: $15,000 to purchase camping equipment for Tatura, Mooroopna, north Shepparton and Kialla.
Girgarre Facilities Committee: $15,000 for the installation and purchase of a public address audio/visual system.
Shepparton Sailability: $12,602 to purchase equipment.
Numurkah Wunghnu Cemetery Trust: $2500 to purchase a defibrillator.
Murchison Football Club: $16,500 to upgrade amenities.
Rochester Football and Netball Club: $14,900 to install air conditioning.
Tooborac Mechanics Hall and Reserve Committee: $17,995 to refurbish community hall.
