Successful applicants for the Community Building Partnership (CBP) program have been awarded small grants amounting to more than $399 million for over 18,000 projects since the program was established in 2009.   

In the Western Plains district this year, several community groups were successful in obtaining funds as part of almost $400,000 distributed across the Barwon electorate.

Among these was the Baraldine Golf Club, receiving funding for an equipment and machinery storage shed. Committee member and grant applicant, Betty Olson said the group was thrilled with their success. 

"On behalf of the golf club, I applied in May and was unsure how successful we would be," Ms Olson said. "Then we received a lovely letter saying we were successful in winning a grant for just over $24000 for a storage shed." 

Ms Olson has been involved with the Baradine Golf Club for around 50 years and was instrumental in applying for previously successful grants for a mower, solar panels and connecting power to the bore. The most notable success was an application to replace the clubhouse. 

"The old clubhouse was 75 years old," Ms Olson said. "We only had 12 members in 2018 but received funding to upgrade it. Now we have 36 members.

"The club has being going continuously since 1925 and we are very proud of that." 

Ms Olson said the improvements for the club could not have happened without grant funding. 

"We are small club, and like many community groups, we are run totally by volunteers," she said. "Over the past years we have seen an economic decline in our district so it's great to be able to keep the golf club active. The facilities are available for anyone and we have regular competitions." 

Good news sprinkled around the west

Other successful grant applicants from the local area included the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve Land Manager Grader who received $20,000 to maintain roads, firebreaks, heritage sites and for training and employment.

Warren Shire Council received $13000 to install new flooring and an oven within their sporting and cultural centre, and Athletics Clubs from Gilgandra and Cobar both received funding for defibrillators to be placed on site.

Gulargambone Preschool will be enjoying a new outdoor shade, thanks to a contribution of $40000.

Also at Gulargambone, Two eight two eight Inc will be able to upgrade their multipurpose community service centre.

Roy Butler on-air at 2WEB. PHOTO: Roy Butler

In Bourke, the WREB Co-Op Ltd which operates Outback Radio 2WEB will receive $18,000 towards a new studio console.

A community-based committee of Lachlan Shire Council will use their $12,008 to install airconditioning in the Boorabil Community Hall at Tullibigeal.

Non-profit community groups and local councils are eligible to apply to the program for projects between $15,000 and $150,000. The average project funded is $20,000.