MORE than $330,000 has been granted to the Barham and Koondrook communities from the Murray River Council’s Stronger Communities Fund.
Council received 117 applications for a share in $1 million in one-off funding that was provided as a result of the amalgamation between the Wakool and Murray Shire Councils.
One Barham organisation received the maximum amount of $50,000, with the Local Health Medical Trust to use the funding to establish a local dental service.
The trust was established several years ago to establish a medical practice at a time when there was no such facility in Barham.
Trust board member, Anthony Jackson said establishing a dental clinic was the next step, with the $50,000 grant to be used to purchase a building in the vicinity of the medical practice and further funding to be sought to fit out the building.
Two subcommittees of Barham Consolidated also received funding, with the Barham Boardwalk Committee being granted $37,857 for lighting and the Barham Koondrook Festival Group receiving $15,000 to go toward the 2017 River Daze music, food and wine festival.
The Barham Koondrook Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society received $48,560 for an upgrade of the show office and kitchen, while the Golden Rivers Theatre Group will construct toilets at Faulkner Pavilion with its $37,835 grant.
The Border Flywheelers Club has $36,886 to replace the mud seal roof on its number one brick kiln, while the Barham Koondrook Historical Society will use its $5398 on computer upgrades.
The Koondrook Pool Committee was a major winner over the border, receiving $38,222 for a new shelter, extra seating and an inbuilt electric barbecue.
Barham/Koondrook Cricket Club plans to overhaul its nets and install a watering system with its $25,000 grant, while the Barham Recreation Reserve has $22,359 for basketball facility upgrades.
Finally, Murray Haven Homes received $29,000 for a new vehicle and the Barham Koondrook Probus Club was granted $2507 for a computer, digital projector and screen.
Barham Consolidated treasurer, Faye Ashwin said it was great to see community groups seizing a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to apply for funding.
“When you look around country New South Wales there are a lot of country communities shrinking, but Barham is not in that position and it’s partly because of the really proactive stance of the community members,” she said.
“It’s really nice to see that this funding is spread right across the community.
“While not everybody is happy about the amalgamation, the caravan’s moved on so we need to make the most of it and that’s what we’re doing.”
