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Kununurra groups benefit from $180k in grants

Headshot of Elise Van Aken
Elise Van AkenThe Kimberley Echo
KCGS COVID-19 Community Relief Fund Successful Recipients 2020.
Camera IconKCGS COVID-19 Community Relief Fund Successful Recipients 2020. Credit: Abby Murray

Eleven Kununurra community organisations will share in more than $180,000 for important social projects across the Kimberley.

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, the Kununurra Community Garden and Kununurra Historical Society are among those to receive funding through round five of the Water Corporation’s Kimberley Community Grants Scheme. The Kununurra Community Garden received the largest grant in the East Kimberley through this latest round, with $8000 awarded to them to upcycle grow beds and educate Kununurra families in gardening activities to build community resilience and create local food security.

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts have planned to use their $4500 to create a cultural garden inspired by native plant knowledge to support cultural learning and develop creative expression. The Kununurra Historical Society will also benefit from $6000 to develop a video series sharing local Kununurra history.

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad with Mandy Milburn of Kununurra Community Garden.
Camera IconWater Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad with Mandy Milburn of Kununurra Community Garden.

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Community grant recipients were announced at a special presentation evening in Broome last Monday .

Eight additional East Kimberley not-for-profit groups shared in a further $100,000 for groups impacted by COVID-19 as part of the Water Corp’s Kimberley COVID-19 Community Relief Fund round six.

Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo Association, Ord Valley Events Incorporated Kununurra, The Kangaroo Haven Incorporated, Wyndham Historical Society, Kununurra Community Garden, Kimberley Animals Nature and Education Incorporated, Crazy Crocs Playgroup Kununurra and the Kununurra Toy and Puzzle Library were granted up to $5000 each to provide support for operational and insurance costs.

President of Lions Club Chris Mitchell with Ord Valley Events chairman Beau Robinson.
Camera IconPresident of Lions Club Chris Mitchell with Ord Valley Events chairman Beau Robinson. Credit: Abby Murray

Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer said through initiatives like the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, not-for-profit groups were able to undertake projects that contributed greatly to the fabric of life in regional communities.

“There are some incredibly worthy recipients in the latest rounds of funding, and I look forward to seeing each project take shape,” she said.

WA Water Minister Dave Kelly said it was particularly heartening to see such a significant contribution to local not-for-profit groups impacted by COVID-19.

Broome Lions Club president of Chris Mitchell with Nadia Donnelly of Kununurra Animals Nature and Education Inc.
Camera IconBroome Lions Club president of Chris Mitchell with Nadia Donnelly of Kununurra Animals Nature and Education Inc. Credit: Abby Murray

“Congratulations to each worthy recipient in Water Corporation’s Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, which since 2016 has directed over $365,000 into important grassroots projects across the region,” he said.

“Round 5 attracted a record number of applicants and saw the highest monetary contribution in the scheme’s four-year history.

“Through this contribution, Water Corporation and the WA Government are supporting local organisations so that they may continue making a positive difference to communities across the Kimberley.”

The scheme is delivered by Water Corporation in partnership with the Lions Club of Broome and funded through the sale of Rhodes grass hay produced at Water Corporation’s Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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