TWENTY groups – including a community pre-school, cricket club and the Country Women’s Association – have received funding in the latest round of Armidale Regional Council’s Community Grants Program.

The program supports groups and services within local government area to address identified community needs, while promoting social inclusion and community connections.

The latest grant rounds closed on March 16 and 40 applications, with a total requested amount of $157,785, were received.

This is the second grant round of the 24-25 financial year, and the funding available for distribution was $52,000.

Applicants had to detail the benefits to community members within the Armidale Regional Council Local Government Area, outline the aims and objectives of the project and identify who in the community would benefit from the project.

Following a review by an assessment panel consisting of three councillors along with two council officers, a unanimous decision was reached to award the funding to the following groups:

Armidale Community Preschool Incorporated $1500; 2nd Armidale Scout Group $1500; Armidale District Baptist Church $1200; Armidale District Cricket Association $1500; Pacific Nomads Rugby 7s $2000; Guyra VRA Rescue Squad $4000; Rotary Club of Guyra $4300; Country Women’s Association of NSW Armidale Branch $2000; Guyra & District Pony Club $2500; New England Garden Festival $1500; New England Art Society $3500; Barbarians Rugby Club Armidale $4000; Guyra Show Society $2500; Masonic Lodge Guyra $2500; Highlands End-of-Life Project $2500; Lions Community Workshop $4000; Armidale Table Tennis Club $3000; New England Dance Eisteddfod $3500; the KaiRui Hum Project $2500; and PCYC Armidale $2000.

Armidale mayor Sam Coupland said the grants program is about empowering local groups to continue the amazing work they do.

“The program helps build stronger, more connected communities,” Cr Coupland said.

“Council is proud to support grassroots organisations through this funding as these groups play a vital role in enriching the social, cultural, and recreational fabric of our region.

New England Garden Festival received $1500 funding in the latest round of Armidale Regional Council’s Community Grants Program.

“Even small grants can have a big impact. From helping volunteers buy new equipment to supporting events that bring people together, this program is about investing in our community’s future,” he said.

Community grant opportunities are offered twice yearly.

Armidale Council has awarded $100,000 in community grant funding in the 2024-2025 financial year.