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General Newsletter - 21 January 2025

Tuesday 21st of January 2025

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In this Issue

Welcome from the Chair
$18M of Funding for Our Region from the Growing Regions Program
New Australian Government Drought Plan Released
Stronger Communities Programme Now Open
Could Your Artwork Help Calm Patients?
Understanding The Wellbeing of Regional Australians
Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities
What's On in the Northern Inland

Welcome from the Chair

Dear Northern Inlanders,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2025!

I am pleased to start the year with the fantastic news that $18.4 million will be invested into our region by the Australian government through the Growing Regions Program for four projects in Tamworth, Tenterfield, Inverell and Glen Innes. Our team was particularly excited to see the success of the Angry Bull Trails application after working with them to revise their business case for the application. The funding will facilitate the completion of the 58km of mountain bike trails and associated infrastructure. Once complete, the project will transform the Tenterfield economy by attracting 35,000 new visitors and $7.6 million of additional tourist expenditure each year, creating 50 new full-time jobs.

The Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Program is another opportunity for community-focused projects in our region to receive funding. With $150,000 allocated for each federal electorate, this is a unique chance for projects tailored to benefit our communities. Further details on how to apply for this program are available below.

If you have been inspired by the new year or have been working to develop a project or initiative for some time, be sure to subscribe to our monthly grant newsletters. Our free newsletters provide a summary of the available grants for our region, with a newsletter for community grants, and another for business, industry and infrastructure. We also have a searchable database of grants on our website to help our communities make the most of the available grants.

Regards,

Russell Stewart
Chair

$18M of Funding for Our Region from the Growing Regions Program

The Australian Government is helping New South Wales’ regions to thrive by investing almost $80 million in community infrastructure that will improve the lives of locals. Sixteen projects will share in the funding, which will go towards building or upgrading social infrastructure – such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks – that strengthen community and boost regional economies. This is part of the Government’s initiative to empower councils and local groups to build places to gather that promote connection and shape everyday lives.

Two of the top four projects by value in New South Wales have been awarded to the Northern Inland and a total of $18.4 million will be provided to four projects in our region.

Northern Inland Aquatic, Education and Health Centre of Excellence
$9 million - Tamworth Regional Council
The project will deliver two main components, an aquatic centre and a sports and health club. The aquatic centre will include an indoor 50 metre 10-lane pool, program pool, spa, sauna, reception and café, accessible amenities and parking. The sports and health hub which will include a gym, rooms for health, education and fitness classes, allied health consulting rooms, rehabilitation space, office administration and education spaces, as well as a sports science testing lab.

Angry Bull Trails Adventure Tourism Destination Project
$8.3 million – Angry Bull Trails (Tenterfield)
This project will provide an additional 58km of mountain bike trails, an international level pump track, as well as associated infrastructure at the trailhead including shuttle drop-off area, shade structures and bike racks and washdown facilities, parking, BBQs and toilets, as well as expanding the Trail Centre to create a community hub with end of trip facilities.

ANZAC Park Playground Upgrade
$600,000 – Glen Innes Severn Council
The project will upgrade the existing ANZAC Park Playground in Glen Innes and deliver a larger inclusive ‘nature-play’ playground for all child age-groups with improved access and a new BBQ area.

Lake Inverell Enhancement Project
$550,000 – Inverell Shire Council
The project will enhance recreation infrastructure at Lake Inverell Reserve, including the construction of a shelter and BBQ area, seating, an elevated viewing platform with picnic area and
all-abilities access for fishing with ramped platforms, and new shared recreation pathway loops and solar lighting to enhance capacity and safety.

“Quality infrastructure in regional areas is invaluable and this funding will build and upgrade key facilities that can be enjoyed by communities for years to come.” Said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. “As social interactions change, community infrastructure is more important than ever, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing in projects that provide spaces for communities to gather and rebuild social connection.”

The Growing Regions Program delivers investment in infrastructure across Australia's regional, rural and remote areas. Details of the successful projects in NSW four Round 2 are available on from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

New Australian Government Drought Plan Released

Drought is a recurring feature of the Australian landscape, and it is forecast to become more frequent, severe and longer lasting in many regions. The Australian Government is working with farmers, rural communities, the states and territories, and the agriculture, finance and not-for-profit sectors to build Australia’s capacity to withstand drought.

A new plan has been released to guide and explain Australian Government policies and programs for farming businesses and communities preparing for, managing through and recovering from drought.

The Drought Plan:

provides a clearer explanation of what the government will and won’t do in drought
outlines what programs are available for farmers before, during and after drought
promotes better coordination of these programs across Australian, state and territory governments
seeks to work with farmers, their communities, the agriculture and finance sectors, other government and non-government organisations on drought.

The 5-year plan supports the National Drought Agreement (NDA) signed earlier this year between the Commonwealth, states and territories, and explains how the Australian Government will meet its obligations under the agreement.

Like the NDA, the plan covers measures to get ready for drought as well as support for farmers in hardship, regardless of when and where conditions dry.

Further information, and a copy of the Australian Government Drought Plan are available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

Stronger Communities Programme Now Open

The Australian Government is funding local infrastructure and essential community equipment to ensure Australia’s communities are even better places to live, with applications for Round 9 of the Stronger Communities Programme now being accepted.

Each federal electorate will receive $150,000 under the program and these funds can be allocated towards up to 20 projects, with individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Projects eligible for funding include upgrades to community and cultural facilities, and purchases of vital equipment for regional emergency services.

As with Round 8, this round includes a requirement for local MPs to consult with communities through the project nomination process to enhance the transparency of the program and ensure projects drive community outcomes. This includes convening community consultation committees to hear directly from communities about their local priorities for this funding.

“Community groups are the heart of our local towns and villages in the Parkes electorate and this type of funding is often vital to help them grow and prosper into the future,” said Mark Coulton, Member for Parkes, who also noted that some major changes have been made to this round. “This time greater priority is being given to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous Australians, veterans, immigrants and people with disabilities, while broader activities available for funding include environmental and climate focussed projects and those that address gender equity and health infrastructure,”

“Each project must meet the eligibility requirements and directly align with at least one of the objectives of the program.” Mr Coulton continued. “For example, projects could include information signage for places of First Nations significance, the installation of a native garden, upgrades to war memorials, construction or upgrade of disability access to facilities, upgrades to parent rooms or the creation of child-friendly spaces, the provision of women’s facilities at sports grounds, the purchase and installation of defibrillators or first aid equipment, the establishment of a website or social media presence, or the installation of renewable energy sources and storage, just to name a few.

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines for the Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 are available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website. Applicants must be invited to apply by the applicable federal member through an EOI process:

Parkes Electorate - Submit your EOI to Mark Coulton by the 5pm on the 7th of February
New England Electorate – Submit your EOI to Barnaby Joyce by the 14th of February

Could Your Artwork Help Calm Patients?

Arts North West has partnered with Health Infrastructure & Hunter New England Local Health District to deliver the Tamworth Mental Health Unit, Art Project. Health Infrastructure on behalf of Hunter New England Local Health District are seeking interest from artists to propose existing artworks that will inspire and comfort patients, visitors and staff in clinical spaces of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit (TMHU).

Arts North West are seeking interest from artists, with a connection to Peel, Mehi and/or Tablelands region to propose existing artworks for consideration. Artworks will be selected for one of two locations:

To be hung in interview and meeting rooms (physical artworks to be supplied)
Reproduced as a wall graphics in patient bedrooms (high resolution digital file to be supplied, printing and installation will be the responsibility of the project)

Artworks will be purchased based on the pricing supplied in the submission. Artworks do not need to be framed.

The hospital environment can be emotionally charged, and any artwork should seek to complement the space by providing calming and uplifting sensory experiences with a strong narrative to capture and hold imagination. Representative nature art or biophilic design is most appropriate for healthcare environments.

There are several scientific and executive factors that will be considered in the selection of artworks:

Art that is not overstimulating and reduces or does not result in mental fatigue.
The psychology of colour and the effect that colour has on the mental and physical moods of patients, visitors, and staff.
Consideration of ethnic culture and the symbolism that colour has.
The use of line should be considered to avoid the creation of patterns that may cause disorientation.

Expressions of interest are being accepted until 5pm on Thursday the 14th of February, and further details about the requirements and selection process are available on the Arts North West website.

Understanding The Wellbeing of Regional Australians

Each year the Regional Wellbeing Survey is conducted by the University of Canberra to improve our understanding of the wellbeing, liveability and resilience of communities across Australia. Data obtained from the survey will also be provided to help organisations across Australia have access to the data they need to help them support and grow the quality of life across the country.

The short version of the survey takes only twenty minutes, and longer versions are available for those able to contribute more time to share their input. The survey can also be completed over time, as your responses can be saved as you progress, and all questions are voluntary.

By participating, you help make a difference to communities across Australia, as well as being eligible to enter our prize draw to win one of 11 prizes worth a total of $9,000.

The survey has been conducted for over ten years, and results from previous years is available on their website.

This year’s Regional Wellbeing Survey will be open until the 31st of January.

Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities

Below are some featured grants and funding opportunities from the multitude of open grants listed in the Grants and Funding Opportunities area of our website. Our website is updated weekly with new listings and updates and all are applicable to our region, so it is a great resource if you are looking for funding for a specific project.

You can also sign up to our Business and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities and the Community Grants and Award Programs newsletters through the simple form located on the left-hand side of our website: www.rdani.org.au, to receive monthly summaries of currently open grants.

2025 NAIDOC Local Grants Opportunity
Closes: 20th of February 2025 - 3:00 pm
Value: Up to $25,000
Run By: National Indigenous Australians Agency

This grant opportunity provides funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to contribute to the costs of local and regional NAIDOC Week activities across Australia.

Both First Nations and non-Indigenous legal entities may apply for NAIDOC Local Grants funding. Non-Indigenous organisations are strongly encouraged to work with their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in planning activities / events.

Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program
Closes: 20th of February 2025 - 5:00 pm
Value: $250,000 to $5 Million
Run By: NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

The $50 million program is funded under the Regional Development Trust and will support initiatives that promote regional economic development and contribute to job creation and retention aligned with the Trust’s key focus areas:

Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
Community connection and capacity building
Improving regional service delivery
Sustainable regional industries.

Within each key focus area, applications may be submitted for:

infrastructure projects
services and program delivery.

Strong and Resilient Communities Activity – Inclusive Communities (SARC – IC) Round 4 Grants
Closes: 20th of February 2025 - 9:00 pm
Value: Up to $360,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Social Services

The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply to deliver projects under the Families and Communities Program: Strong and Resilient Communities Activity – Inclusive Communities (SARC – IC) Round 4 Grants.

SARC – IC grants will support the social and economic participation of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in their communities by providing funding that supports:

Young people aged 12 to 18 years who are disengaged, or at risk of disengaging, from education to reconnect with their community, school, training and/or employment.
People with disability to participate in the community, and work towards becoming or remaining independent and engaged in the economy and/or society.
Women who experience, or are at risk of experiencing, isolation, or discrimination to participate in the community and/or economy and increase their self-agency.
People who are unemployed to increase participation in their community and/or increase their capacity to engage in employment, training, or existing employment services.

Community Building Partnership 2025
Opens: 28th of January 2025
Closes: 21st of February 2025 - 5:00 pm
Value: $10,000 to $100,000
Run By: NSW Government Communities and Justice

This program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

CBP will consider funding requests between $10,000 and $100,000 for projects in NSW involving:

capital works including construction of new community infrastructure as well as refurbishment, repair and maintenance of existing community infrastructure. Capital works are: improvements to the land or building, or freestanding equipment that will be fixed or installed to the land or building.
the purchase of freestanding equipment. Freestanding equipment is: equipment that does not require installation. This also includes vehicles and vessels that do not require registration e.g. tractors, utility task vehicles (UTV) or side-by-side ATVs, dragon boats, golf buggies, dinghies, powerboats or sailing boats less than 5.5 m long or with an engine less than 4.0 kw.
the purchase of vehicle(s). Vehicles are: cars, buses, trucks, trailers, motorised rescue vehicles including boats and any modifications to existing vehicles.

DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream
Opens: 22nd of January 2025
Closes: 30th of April 2028 - 5:00 pm
Value: $2,000 to $20,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The objective of the grant opportunity is to provide co-funding for dealerships and repairers to install EV chargers.

The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to:

increase in the number of EV charging stations throughout the country including remote and regional areas
increase the number of EVs on the roads.

Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program: Precinct Development and Planning
Closes: Ongoing
Value: $500,000 to $5 Million
Run By: Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

The Precinct Development and Planning grant opportunity provides opportunities to develop a precinct idea through to investment-ready stage. The rationale for Stream One is to recognise that financial constraints can inhibit great concepts being explored further and developed into realistic, well-designed and planned projects.

The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to:

establish partnerships comprised of relevant government entities, community organisations and businesses that have a shared vision for a regional precinct
deliver precinct plans that are tailored to their local contexts and based on community feedback and engagement
support precinct plans to become investment ready.