Funding from the Strengthening Rural Communities grants program, administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has found its way to two worthy projects in the Western Plains.

They are just two of more than 150 not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in rural regions across Australia who are sharing in $1,579,380 in grants for projects to strengthen their communities.

 Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, said that the Strengthening Rural Communities program has been a consistent support for local NFPs in rural places, helping to fill funding gaps needed to get projects off the ground or sometimes bring them to conclusion.

“Grassroots organisations, which are often led by volunteers, play an important role in the vitality of rural Australia, because they drive the projects that maintain and sustain their communities. But to do this, they need funds. We’re honoured to play a small part in helping rural Australia thrive and we encourage others to join with us to support local initiatives that really do make a difference,” Ms Karena said.

The Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation was one fortunate recipient, being awarded $9992 to celebrate Wiradjuri cultural sky stories in a Miima Warrinbinya Skyfest astronomy festival.

Condo SkyFest Miima Warrabinya (Seeking the stars) is an annual celebration of 65,000+ years of Wiradjuri Culture, Continuity and Creativity on Country.

Nicole Smith, Business Development Manager at the Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation said the festival is proposed to take place on 6th April 2024 at the Wiradjuri Study Centre

"The sky stores will include 'The Seven Sisters sky stories' relating to the Pleiades constellation in Taurus, 'How the Emu got into the Milky Way', 'How stars were created' and also 'Biamii in the sky,'" she said.

Ms Smith said similar Skyfest festivals had taken place in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

"There will plenty to see at the 2024 event," she said. "In the plans are an Aboriginal music line up throughout the day along with men’s and women’s traditional dancing and a night Corroboree."

Various workshops are also planned, including ones on Wiradjuri language, weaving, clapstick and emu caller making. Children will be entertained with a boomerang painting working shop and face painting.

"Planning for the project started with a community consultation in August this year," Ms Smith said. "All participating musicians, artists and workshop facilitator are already organised."

An astronomy art exhibition project between the Sista Shed and the Galari Youth Group (plus other interested schools) will also be part of the festival.

"We have also received some funding from the Lachlan Shire Council, Evolution Mine, Arts Out West with several grant outcomes announced throughout December," Ms Smith said.

Several other NSW communities received grants including Dubbo and Walgett.

The Isolated Children's Parents Association - Walgett Branch received $20000 to enhance flood recovery and future disaster preparation through events and speakers at Isolated Children’s Parents Association Garden Day. Their aim is to enhance climate-related knowledge and strengthen social connections and mental wellbeing.