$1.25 MILLION BOOST FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS ACROSS CLARENCE AND RICHMOND VALLEYS

Five community-led projects across the Clarence and Richmond valleys will share more than $1.25 million under the NSW Government’s $50 million Active Regional Communities Package, supporting local organisations to deliver practical projects that will benefit their communities, State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson said.

Leading the successful local projects is Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, which has secured $1 million to deliver its four-year Mudyala BRIDGE Program - a community-led initiative supporting children and young people identified as at risk, or living in at-risk circumstances, across the Clarence Valley.

The funding will enable Mudyala to establish the program, including purchasing a community bus, before moving into full program delivery over the following three years.

The BRIDGE Program will provide weekly group sessions, after-school and school holiday activities and on-country cultural camps. Community Engagement Youth Workers will lead the program alongside local Aboriginal Elders, with young people having a genuine voice in shaping the activities delivered.

Mudyala CEO and Founder Aneika Kapeen said the organisation was excited to see its team-led ideas become a reality.

“We are amazed to see our team-led ideas become a reality where youth can have the opportunity to help design the programs that will be delivered,” Ms Kapeen said.

“It’s giving the youth more agency to find what fits and really become a proactive, purposeful program generating positive growth.

“The Mudyala BRIDGE Program represents Belonging, Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Growth and Empower. We can’t wait to begin!”

Mr Williamson said the Mudyala project was an excellent example of a local organisation developing a practical program around the needs of its community.

“Local people are often best placed to understand the challenges facing their communities and develop solutions that will make a real difference,” Mr Williamson said.

“The Mudyala BRIDGE Program is a fantastic example of that community-led approach, giving young people a voice in shaping programs that are designed to support them.

“It is particularly encouraging to see funding supporting opportunities for young people to build connections, strengthen their cultural identity and participate in positive activities with their peers, families and community.”

Other successful projects across the Clarence and Richmond valleys include:

• Coutts Crossing Croquet Club – $87,608 for a new toilet amenities block.

• Grafton Community Shed – $33,100 for upgrades to the community shed.

• Coraki Memorial Bowling Club – $30,720 to upgrade lighting.

• Assistance Dogs Australia – $99,672 for its Pups in Prison program, strengthening inmate rehabilitation and community connection in the Clarence Valley.

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“While these projects are very different, they all have something in common. They have come from organisations that understand what their communities need,” Mr Williamson said.

“Whether it is improving facilities for a local sporting club, providing a better space for people to come together, upgrading essential amenities or supporting a program that delivers positive outcomes for young people, these are the sorts of projects that strengthen our regional communities.

“It is great to see organisations across both the Clarence and Richmond valleys successful in this funding round, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”

The funding is being delivered under the NSW Government’s $50 million Active Regional Communities Package, which is supporting community-led projects across regional NSW. 

PHOTOS: File photos are attached of some of the successful recipients from previous visits by Richie for use by media.