Glossodia Scout Group got hot water, new roof – now second round of funds up for grabs

The $7000 of Federal government funds which made it possible for 1st Glossodia Scout Group to make much-needed improvements to its Lamrock Ave premises through last year’s Stronger Communities funding program, is being followed up by another slice of funds for Hawkesbury groups.

Macquarie MP Susan Templeman with members of the 1st Glossodia Scout Group when they got news of their funding in the first round of Stronger Communities

“The Glossodia Scout Hall didn’t have a hot water system, which obviously made it really inconvenient for those using the building for a variety of Scout activities,” said Macquarie MP Susan Templeman, who recommended the scouts be given the funding.

“It also needed some repairs to the awning and roof. The Scouts put forward an application for half of the funds required to make the improvements, and I was really happy to recommend the grant be approved.

“Scouts are a valued group in our local community, and these works have improved the facilities for volunteers and families using the hall,” said Ms Templeman.

Expressions of Interest for the next round of the Stronger Communities program must be made through Ms Templeman’s office, with the government setting tight deadlines.

“It’s a fairly simple Expressions of Interest form to be sent to my office, but any group that is interested in funding must put one in to me by Monday, February 22,” she said.

Ms Templeman said she was pleased that one key criteria had changed in the new round.

“In the round coming up, $150,000 will once again be available for up to 20 capital projects in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains, but this time community groups will not be required to match the funding they are applying for,” Ms Templeman said.

“We have been raising the issue that groups have been unable to undertake normal fundraising activities throughout 2020 due to COVID, and it appears that this message has got through to the government.

“This will allow groups to complete much-needed projects that will benefit the community without the pressure of finding extra funding in what has been an extraordinarily difficult 12 months, with fundraising options in 2021 looking pretty limited.”

For more information on Stronger Communities eligibility and how to apply, visit https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme, or email susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au.

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