GRANTS NOW OPEN: The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture portfolio initiative under phase two of the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program. To date, Smart Farms Small Grants has funded a total of 384 projects to the value of $25.5 million. Photo courtesy of Farmpix (Chris Watson).
Smart Farms Small Grants Round Now Open
A new round of the Federal Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants Program is now open to eligible Riverina and Central West organisations and individuals.
The final round of Smart Farms Small Grants program will fund a diverse range of soil extension activities across Australia. Under this round, multiple activities may be applied for in the one application. Grants are available for between $100,000 to $250,000 per activity and will be delivered over two years. Applicants may apply for a maximum of $2 million per application. This round of funding will close at 9pm on 12 October 2021.
BOOST FOR WASTE: The Organics Collections program can be used to upgrade existing kerbside garden waste collections or establish new organics collection services. It can also be used to support the purchase of new infra-structure such as wheelie bins or community education campaigns.
Boost For Food And Garden Waste Collection
More household food and garden waste will be kept out of landfill, thanks to $12 million in grant funding for councils across the State.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding supports the NSW Government’s commitment to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill and reach net zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.“Each year more than a third of waste sent to landfill in NSW is food – with the average NSW household throwing away $2,500 worth, ” Mr Kean said.
The funding, available through the Organics Collections program, can also be used to support the purchase of new infrastructure such as wheelie bins and kitchen caddies, or for community education campaigns.
Since 2013, more than $26 million has been awarded to 62 projects through the program. Go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/organics-collections
Wiradjuri Mural Project At Forbes Public
Forbes Public School P&C Association has received a grant for $5000 to enhance community connection and cultural identity via Forbes Public School students painting a mural with a local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. They were one of ninety locally-led initiatives that were funded and are set to strengthen remote, rural communities across Australia by sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.
TAFE Comms Short Course Taking Enrolments
TAFE NSW Forbes is looking for interest in a Statement in Communication Online short course for Term 4. Content for the course will include using social media, email and zoom. Cost will be $125. To register interest, please complete the link on the TAFE NSW Forbes Facebook page.
Forbes Olympic Pool Set To Open Soon
Forbes Shire Council is happy to report the Forbes Olympic Pool will be opening at the beginning of October for the season. There will be some new rules in place to ensure we are all COVIDSafe so keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council website and social media pages for more. With summer temps expected to be humid and warm, the local pool will be very popular again this summer and residents are asked to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new rules to protect the entire community.
Carrawobitty Manor Sold
It is one of the most beautiful houses in the Forbes Shire and now it has been sold. Carrawobbity, approximately 13kms on the Bedgerabong Road, west of Forbes, has been sold by Michael Robinson Real Estate for previous owners Ken and Monica Wren. The house has had some magnificent work done to it during the time the Wren family have had it. From holding retreats and workshops to hosting reunions and film crews – the beautiful idyllic homestead is a sight to behold and has some stories to tell. All the best Ken and Monica for the future and the next chapter of your life!
CONNECTING TO THE CBD: The new shared pathway between Johnson, Baldock and Barton Streets adds an additional 262m of shared pathway.
Shared Pathway Complete
The shared pathway in Johnson Street, Baldock Street and Barton Street has been completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD. An additional 262m of shared pathway is now completed and looks great. From all reports it has already been getting a fair workout!