Western region organisations are getting cash for programs and events aimed at boosting the spirits of people impacted by the drought and saving lives.
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The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is doling out 21 grants of between $5000 and $50,000 for community resilience programs, community events and dinners, and mental health first aid for farmers.
The first round of Community Well-being and Drought Support grants is being funded by the federal government's Empowering our Communities initiative. It facilitates community-led projects to support mental health, social and emotional well-being and suicide prevention initiatives.
"Some of the great initiatives we will be funding include a resilience and renewal conference for women and youth in agriculture held in Condobolin, a Mission Australia program aimed at reducing loneliness, events to bring together communities in Wilcannia, Condobolin, Marthaguy and Brewarrina and more resources for NALAG to help people experiencing depression, anxiety or stress through their Blue Healers program," WNSW PHN chief executive officer Andrew Harvey said.
The chief executive officer said he had been impressed by the range of applications.
"We received many high-quality applications for grant funding and are proud to be able to support a range of services and programs that will help improve resilience, support and improve mental health and connect communities across Western NSW," he said.
"Running a community grants program has allowed us to work with people who are living with the impact of the drought every day and allocate money where it will be most beneficial."
Recipients of the grants are Catholic Care Wilcannia, Mission Australia, Condobolin Sports Club, NALAG, Walgett Shire Council, Brewarrina Shire Council, Australian Red Cross,Coonamble Chamber of Commerce, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Central West Farming Systems, Murdi Paaki Regional Rugby League Council,North West Plains Sustainability Group, Quambone Polocross Club, Marthaguy Picnic Race Club, Lifeline Broken Hill, 2357 Partnerships Inc Bugaldie, CWA Condobolin, Brewarrina Aboriginal Corp, Western Landcare, Menindee Enterprise Park, and Rural and Remote Mental Health.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the grants would be beneficial for communities in his electorate.
"I am pleased that grants have been awarded to foster community resilience and mental health initiatives in Western NSW," he said. "..these grants will fund extra support for front-line services, helping those who need it most. I look forward to seeing these programs evolve."