Gilgandra Country Women’s Association (CWA) Evening Branch, Western Student Connections and the Narromine Lions Club are among the community groups across the Inland Rail alignment to receive vital grants of up to $4,000 through the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program.
Local Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton welcomed news that three community groups in the Parkes electorate had been successful in round five of the program.
“Community groups and associations are the lifeblood of our region; often volunteering their time to provide skills, support and services to their community,” Mr Coulton said.
“I am pleased to see $3,000 granted to the Gilgandra CWA Evening Branch to boost seating capacity in their facility – the CWA provides essential services and programs to the people in our community.
“There is also $4,000 going to Western Student Connections to support online interactive STEM activities for children at home, and almost $1,200 for the Narromine Lions Club to help with the restoration and maintenance of historical projects.
“All of these organisations perform vital community services in the region – whether it be helping students to find work placements or working to support those less fortunate within our community.
“This grants program delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation goes beyond the benefits of constructing and operating a rail line – it is demonstrating a genuine commitment to the long-term sustainability of local communities as we continue to roll-out this nationally significant freight rail project.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said more than $300,000 in grants had been awarded by the Australian Rail Track Corporation to schools, volunteer groups and associations as part of the enduring commitment to communities where Australia’s largest freight project is being built and operated.
“Inland Rail is nation-building infrastructure providing long-term opportunities for our regions – boosting jobs and economic confidence in regional communities across the country,” Mr McCormack said.
“We are already seeing the immediate benefits from Inland Rail, with more than 690 local jobs and businesses boosted by the $100 million in local contract commitments flowing from construction of the Parkes to Narromine section.
“Supporting the sustainability of these and other communities along the rail corridor is paramount and the Inland Rail sponsorships and donations program is yet another example of how communities can benefit from this unique project.”
