The funding came from the NSW government through the Stronger Communities Fund, which was given to Dubbo Regional Council following the amalgamation.

Council administrator Michael Kneipp said there were 23 successful applications which would fund 26 projects in the region.

Of the groups approved for funds, 41 per cent were from Dubbo, 28 per cent from Wellington, 11 per cent from Euchareena, 7 per cent from Eumungerie, six per cent from Stuart Town and four per cent went to Geurie.

“There were many others who were very worthy but unfortunately there was a huge number of applicants chasing $350,00 worth of funding,” Mr Kneipp said.

The successful applicants included Orana Support Service, Dubbo Show Society, Dubbo Running Festival, Eumungerie and District Recreation Association, and the Dubbo Westside Rugby League Football Club.

The Wongarbon CWA attended the extraordinary meeting of council to express their gratitude for the $10,000 they will receive.

“All the community groups are really going to benefit from this particular round,” secretary Wendy Morris said.

“Thank you very much to the committee who were involved in the selection process.”

The same amount will be allocated to community groups again next year, while in 2018 $300,000, plus the interest the funds have accumulated will be distributed.

The projects which were approved for funding were items which fulfilled a need and would contribute to the social development of the community, Mr Kneipp said.

He said the funding would be handed out with Dubbo MP Troy Grant on November 4, and Mr Kneipp was very interested to follow up and see how it would be used.

Funding will be given to: Geurie Memorial Hall, Dubbo City Croquet Club, Dubbo Running Festival, Orana Broadcasters, Wellington Westhaven Contact Group, Wellington Junior Soccer Club, Emmanuel Care, Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society, Stuart Town Advancement Association, Dubbo Rescue Squad, Wellington Amateur Swimming Club, Dubbo Show Society, Euchareena Village Progress Association, Mount Arthur Reserve Trust, Uniting NSW, South Dubbo Cricket Club, Dubbo and District Parent Support Group for Deaf/Hearing Impaired, Orana Support Service, Eumungerie and District  Recreation Association, Binjang Community Radio, Dubbo Westside Rugby League Rugby League Football Club, Wongarbon Branch of CWA NSW and Talbragar Branch of CWA NSW.