Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

One of the amazing things about being a local MP is getting to talk with and support so many wonderful local community groups and organisations through a variety of grants. The amount of work and effort local people pour into our communities is truly inspiring. I am always thrilled to get out and about to see what local people are doing. These organisations give so much. Today I want to talk about one of the ways that I help give back: the Stronger Communities Program.

For this latest round in my region, 17 local organisations have received a share of $134,500 in grants. It's a real thrill to be able to provide funding to organisations that do such amazing work to support our communities. For instance, this round, $17,000 was provided to Marine Rescue NSW in Batemans Bay to upgrade their facilities, which will include an upgraded training room. Marine Rescue is such an important organisation and I love nothing more than helping them improve their operational capabilities to make sure they can continue to help keep boaters on our waterways safe.

The Kiama Table Tennis Club with their $3,000 grant will purchase new equipment to support their growing membership. I've been to the club and seen them in action—a room full of people enjoying this great sport and making valuable social connections. This investment in the Kiama Table Tennis Club will help build a sense of community and provide opportunities for residents of all ages, and I'm proud to have been able to support them.

Jervis Bay Meals on Wheels have used their $5,000 grant to purchase a new industrial potato peeler and create a new vegetable preparation area. Recently, I met with Meals on Wheels volunteers as they prepared meals and then went out on a few delivery runs. This isn't only a food delivery service; it is a much-valued community service. The volunteers know the people they're delivering to and provide an incredible level of care to them. I'm so happy I could support such a group that does so much for so many.

The Jamberoo Country Women's Association are using their $3,000 to purchase updated audiovisual equipment. The CWA is such an important meeting place for the community, and it's satisfying to be able to help them improve their meetings.

The community owned Gerringong Golf Club received $17,500 to improve fuel storage on site. This club is member owned, and this money will help keep the member prices down so the community can continue to enjoy this wonderful club. Providing $16,500 in funding to the Sussex Inlet District Chamber of Commerce to build a new walking path from Swanhaven to Sussex Inlet Public School is just the best idea.

Another group who received funding is the Flagstaff Group. They are a not-for-profit social enterprise providing life skills and work for people with disabilities. Flagstaff have received $8,000 in funding to improve the EMBER app they've developed to help people living with a disability prepare for bushfires and other natural disasters.

The Boomerang Meeting Place in Mogo received $16,000 in funding to put in a new solar system on their men's shed, supporting the community and keeping their power prices down, and the list goes on. The Tomakin Community Association is using $18,000 to upgrade local basketball facilities. The Tuross Community Gardens has used $3,000 to install another water tank to store and catch rainwater. The Moruya RSL subbranch received $3,500 to improve their memorial gardens. The Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden received $5,000 to update their signs, and the Culburra Dolphins junior rugby league club received $2,500 to replace canteen equipment. The Callala Bay Progress Hall management committee received $2,500 to buy a new ride-on mower, and the Burrill Lake Community Association received $4,000 for equipment to maintain the Barker Reserve. I'm immensely proud to be able to deliver and support these 15 projects, which spanned from Kiama to Tuross Head.

Unfortunately, not every project can get funding through this program, but I just want to say thank you to all the community organisations in our region. If you're involved in a community organisation, I would love to come and meet with you and your members to see the wonderful work you're doing and how I can help to match you with available grants. To all the community organisations in our region: thanks for all the wonderful work you do. Your efforts make our communities thrive, and it fills me with pride to be part of our incredible region. Your dedication and hard work is truly inspiring. You most certainly are making our communities stronger.

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