Giving Lismore groups the time to shine

LOCAL groups and organisations in the Lismore area have their chance to grow with new funding avaliable soon.

LOCAL groups and organisations in the Lismore area have their chance to grow with new funding avaliable soon.

Applications for Lismore City Council's 2016/17 Annual Community Grants Scheme open on April 18, with interested parties invited to attend a free information session on April 14.

Council has more than $100,000 to share between community organisations in the Lismore Local Government Area, with grants of up to $10,000 available for worthwhile community projects.

Activities can vary widely in scope, as evidenced by last year's successful applicants.

Projects included Rainbow Region Community Farms purchasing 13 new garden beds (to grow produce for Lismore's Food Bank), pet therapy at the Lismore Psychiatric Unit, revitalisation of the Lismore City Concert Band and an upgrade of the Clunes Preschool chicken coop and garden, plus a new stingless native bee hive.

The spirit of the grants scheme is to fund projects or activities that enrich our community, Council's Partnering and Community Engagement Officer, Flora Zigterman said.

"We know that community groups can often use a small sum of money to implement projects that have far-reaching impacts.

"We urge all community groups with good ideas and a passion for improving this area to apply."

Successful community groups will be those that demonstrate projects and activities that help Council achieve the community's Imagine Lismore vision.

This vision identified seven themes: arts, youth, community, sport, environment, economy (social enterprise) and partnering.

As part of the Annual Community Grants Scheme, $2000 per annum automatically goes to 29 rural halls in the Lismore LGA to assist with insurance and maintenance costs, while the 19 rural halls subject to rates charges will have these waived.

Organisations are encouraged to read the Annual Community Grants Scheme Guidelines at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au before making an application.

Interested people are also invited to attend a free information session on Thursday, April 14, in the Council Chambers from 10am, to run through the guidelines and application process.

To register, phone Flora Zigterman on 1300 87 83 87.

Applications for the 2016/17 Annual Community Grants Scheme open at 9am on Monday, April 18, and close at 4pm on Monday, May 16.

All applications must be made via our online application form.

To apply, visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.