Damian Drum (Nicholls, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The expressions of interest have opened for around 7 of the Stronger Communities Program, which gives local governing bodies and community groups the opportunity to nominate projects of up to $20,000. Round 7 will provide $22.65 million across 151 federal electorates. The Stronger Communities Program delivers infrastructure and equipment to our community organisations for them to continue to grow and be successful. Previous rounds of this fantastic program across my electorate have seen football, netball, tennis, soccer, cricket and golf clubs; heritage centres; search and rescue volunteers; men's sheds; and childcare and community centres receive grants. These grants have been for kitchen upgrades, appliances, air-conditioners, security, lighting, play equipment, fencing, flooring, computers, a silo art viewing area, storage sheds, hot water services, toilets for the disabled, wheelchairs, and electrical upgrades. The townships across my electorate that have always been able to access these grants are places like Tungamah, Undera, Congupna, Nagambie, Kyabram, Nathalia, Rochester, Tallygaroopna, Numurkah, Mooroopna, Girgarre, Murchison, Tatura, Seymour, Echuca, Wunghun, Yarrawonga, Tongala, Merrigum, Gunbower, Dookie, Katamatite and Waaia. It's a fantastic program that helps an amazing group of small communities, and I want to thank the government for bringing round 7 to fruition again.