Gilgandra businesses are full of big ideas for improvement and the Gilgandra Shire Council has just awarded funding to assist local owners and operators with their visions.

The BIG Ideas Program had an allocation off $50,000 to assist with economic development and investment in business.

All up, a total of 18 applications were received from local businesses for the program, with over $93,000 in funding requested and an estimated business contribution of $108,000.

“All applications went through a thorough assessment process to ensure they met the objectives and terms and conditions of the grant program. From this process 14 projects were recommended for funding at Council’s December Ordinary Meeting, of which 10 of the top-ranked projects to the budget of $50,000 were endorsed," Gilgandra Mayor, Doug Batten said.

One of the successful applicants was the Gilgandra Pharmacy for their project, "Light and Bright."

"We were fortunate to receive funding in the last round of BIG Ideas for a dedicated vaccination room. This allowed us to deliver many Covid vaccinations for the local area," Emma Robinson, pharmacist and owner of the Gilgandra Pharmacy said.

This project meant The Gilgandra Pharmacy were able to be one of the first pharmacies in the state to offer COVID Vaccinations, without interrupting their other services.

"We are very grateful to receive funding again in this round," Ms Robinson said. "Our Light and Bright project aims to literally brighten up the pharmacy with better lighting and also update the windmill mural on the outside wall."

The Gilgandra Pharmacy is just one of the recipients of this year's Big Ideas grants. IMAGE: Mapio

Ms Robinson said the Gilgandra business district was looking great.

"There's not one empty shop front in the town at the moment. The council have been amazingly supportive in making the town look inviting and fresh after bouncing back from drought and threats of flood."

The aims of the BIG Ideas program are business growth, sustainable economy, activation of the business precinct and promoting Gilgandara as an attractive place to work, live and invest.

"The great thing is the funding we receive will then go to other local businesses. We will employ a local electrician to update the lighting and a local artist to freshen up the mural.

Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten backs the benefits provided by supporting local business.

Mr Batten agreed the BIG Ideas program was all about growing local business.

“These projects will help encourage new business investment, and support our activation and revitalisation blueprint for Gilgandra and our Region," Mr Batten said. "It will increase our offering to locals and provides our local businesses with a great opportunity to grow their business model, and capitalise on the significant increase in regional travel and visitation to the Region.”

Successful businesses and projects for the BIG Ideas program include:

• CWME - New Offices
•  Gil News & Gifts - Outside Awning
•  The Shed Gilgandra - Outside Facade Completion
•  This N That - Security Cameras/Shelving
• Thompson's Flooring Centre - Project Pigeon
• Gilgandra Pharmacy - Light and Bright
• The Meating Place - Awning Signage
•  Gilgandra Licensed Post Office - Portico Restoration
•  The Rustic Burrow Trading Co - Security/Shelving
• The Keystone Cafe - Front Facade Upgrade