Cessnock community groups to benefit after appointment of first council grants specialist

Cessnock's local community and business groups will be the big winners with Cessnock City Council appointing its first Community Grants Officer, to help local groups find extra funding for their work.

It is hoped the scheme will reap a big financial windfall for Cessnock groups and businesses after a pilot programme at the Singleton Council last year secured $1.2 million for projects in the area.

The grants officer will help local sports, community and welfare groups identify and develop major projects and to seek funding from the state and federal government and other funding bodies.

Coal & Allied's Community Trust has funded the new position, after committing more than $800,000 to help the Cessnock City Council and three other local councils engage grants officers.

Keith Whelan, the new Community Grants Officer, said he was thrilled to be working on the project.

"We are looking forward to getting started, to help projects get better coordinated and start aiming to secure larger grants where that is possible," Mr Whelan said.

"There is also a great opportunity for larger regional projects through the grants officer network that is being established with the other shires."

The individual grants officers will seek out potential funding sources and provide information and guidance to local organisations to help them achieve success in obtaining access to those funds.

Cessnock City Council Mayor John Clarence welcomed the appointment of the new grants officer.

"This programme has the potential to secure vital funding for worthy local groups, to help them grow and give even more back to Cessnock," Cr Clarence said.

"We expect the grants officer programme, working in partnership with the other three local councils, will help deliver social, cultural and economic benefits to the region.

"Cessnock's sporting groups, community bodies and not-for-profit organisations, as well as small businesses, will get a boost from this project.

"The programme will be an opportunity for them to work in partnership with the Council and Coal & Allied, which will benefit them and the community as a whole."

Coal & Allied Community Trust Executive Officer, Stephen Sneddon, said the partnership will also provide community groups with the opportunity to learn new skills and will provide practical, tangible support to local community groups.

"We are proud to be doing what we can to make a more sustainable local community," Mr Sneddon said.

Keith Whelan, Cessnock City Council Grants Officer, can be contacted on 4993 4215.

ENDS
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