Lismore City Council has announced its once again opening up its annual Community Grants Scheme, which provides funding of up to $10,000 to community organisations for community projects or activities in the LGA.
Successful projects have varied widely in the past, from a school building its own chicken coop and the establishment of a tourist sign in a village park to supporting Landcare works, wildlife and sporting projects.
The relatively new local group Boomerang Bags Lismore – which is helping to rid the world of harmful plastic bags – attributes much of its success to the Annual Community Grants Scheme.
The organisation makes colourful reusable bags from discarded fabric for distribution by local businesses and individuals, and all volunteers can make bags to take home.
Volunteer Coordinator Jenni Law said the group formed in January 2017, and later that year received a $7000 community grant, allowing the new volunteer movement to quickly turn into a serious operation.
‘We bought sewing machines and overlockers, and all the supplies we needed from thread and scissors to pattern makers and cutters,’ Jenni explained.
‘The grant enabled us to establish for the long term – it set us up to be successful straight away and gave us guaranteed longevity.’
Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith encouraged any interested community groups and organisations to apply now.
‘The spirit of the grants scheme is to fund projects or activities that enrich our community,’ Isaac said.
‘We know that a small amount of money invested in a hard-working community group can go a long way. Boomerang Bags Lismore is a great example of that.
‘The group is passionate about encouraging our whole community to use reusable bags instead of harmful plastic bags, and that brings benefit to our community, our environment and our society as a whole.
‘We are very lucky to have so many vibrant community organisations in our midst, and this is about supporting their good ideas and activities. We urge those with a passion for improving Lismore to apply.’
Applications for the Annual Community Grants Scheme are open until 4 May. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in June.
For further information, instructions for applicants and the online application form, visitwww.lismore.nsw.gov.au.
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