NEARLY $60,000 in funding has been awarded to organisations in the Moree Plains Shire, including Chalky’s Boxing Gym, to help deliver a range of engaging activities for young people.

Five local organisations received funding from the NSW Government under an innovative grants program to boost activities and opportunities for young people outside of school hours, including weekends and public holidays.

Moree Plain Shire Council mayor Susannah Pearse thanked Premier Chris Minns and his team for continued support and investment in shire youth.

“Improving the lives of our young people and the liveability of our region will take government, community and industry all working in partnership and with that I congratulate the grant recipients who have risen to that challenge,” Cr Pearse said.

“The grants program is still open, and I encourage local businesses and community organisations of all types to look at what they can do, what programs they might be able to run, to be part of the solution.”

Chalky’s Boxing Gym received $25,000 to implement a ‘transportation blitz’, including support to purchase a van to transport young people to and from classes at the gym, and to transport aspiring young fighters to district, regional and state boxing events and development training days at other boxing gyms across the state.

The program aims to help young people build a support network with peers and community leaders, build understanding and connection to culture, build practical life skills and a sense of purpose, and stay safe and off the streets late at night.

Chalky’s Boxing Gym in Moree received a $25,000 grant to implement a ‘transportation blitz’.

Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation received $10,000 to help deliver workshops and performances at the upcoming Moree Block Party on Friday, October 25.

Mad Proppa Deadly and Just Reinvest NSW will engage local artists to perform and local people to deliver workshops and youth activities during the event.

Youth Insearch received nearly $10,000 to deliver after-hours mental health peer support groups for up to 20 young people aged 14-20.

The support groups will be delivered by a youth peer support worker with lived experience, together with a social worker.

The support groups will be delivered for two hours, one evening a week, during each school term in 2025.

Toomelah GubuRa Foundation received $10,000 to run a touch football initiative.

There will be two weekly touch football sessions at Toomelah Ewan McGrady Oval for young people aged 10-18.

The initiative provides a safe, fun, and inclusive environment to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement.

Mungindi Local Aboriginal Land Council received $5000 to engage a local Aboriginal artist to create a mural with Aboriginal young people from the Mungindi community.

The mural will represent connection to culture, country, community, Elders and family.

Premier Chris Minns said the State Government was supporting young people in Moree and making the community safer.

“By providing these activities, we will help prevent crime and give young people more opportunities to succeed,” Mr Minns said.

The grants program is still open. For more information on how to apply, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/moree-after-hours-activities-grants