THE Augusta Community Development Association expressed disappointment with the Augusta-Margaret River Shire at the group’s meeting last Tuesday for not approving community funding for the town’s Australia Day celebrations.
About six members attended the meeting, and noted that of the 28 community applications, the celebrations did not receive any funding.
Members Cameron Gilmour and Ross Fimister said the funding offered was not adequate, considering the shire had spent $90,000 towards glass crushing facilities.
“There should be more money for community groups,” Mr Fimister said.
The members also plan to write to Shire Leeuwin Ward Cr Ray Colyer to protest his not voting recently to reserve all of Donovan Street bushland.
In response to the funding matter, shire staff said the aim of the Community Development Fund is for Council to support community groups and organisations through small grants of up to $1000 for events, activities and organisational development.
“Priorities for this round of funding were for initiatives that enhanced community, cultural, family and volunteer perspectives,” the shire said.
“In total there were 28 applications seeking $27,409 from the pool of $5916.
“Total annual funding available is $10,000.
“All applications are assessed and ranked against a pre-determined criteria to identify successful recipients.
“Consideration is also given to the location-related spread of funding, ie ensuring there is equity in distribution of the funds.
“Recommendations are then made for sign off by senior staff.
“This was a very competitive round.
“Three applications from Augusta have received funding from the eight successful applicants due to a higher ranking in the assessment phase.
“These include Augusta Community Development Association–$770 towards purchase and installation of seating at the Pioneer Cemetery; Augusta River Festival–$1000 towards festival costs, in particular, Lunar Circus for family entertainment; Augusta Historical Society–$1000 towards purchase of equipment to assist preservation/capture of oral histories.
“In total, Augusta based groups received 47 per cent of the total pool available–$2770 (+GST).
“Unfortunately, like in any funding program, not everyone can be successful.
“Currently $10,000 is available per annum from the Community Development Business Unit budget for the CDF.
“The draft Community Development Plan recommends increasing this to $20,000 from 2009-2010.
“This will need to be part of the next budget deliberation process.
“Currently there are two rounds per annum, however this is being revised due to the high level of administrative requirement needed to service a relatively small fund.”
Asked how to improve a group’s chances of obtaining a grant, staff said to discuss the application with the shire prior to submission; ensure the organisation is also providing resources towards the project, such as financial (cash) or in-kind-volunteer hours, by ensuring the grant application addresses the relevant key priority areas; and attaching relevant supporting information such quotes, drawings, letters of support, Certificates of Incorporation/Currency to demonstrate that the project has been well thought through/planned, has widespread support and that the organisation is legally qualified/has insurance protection to undertake the project.
“Where possible, aim to partner with one or more organisations to enhance community partnerships/resource sharing,” they advised.
“This may include seeking funding from other bodies to supplement a request.”
The shire’s Community Development Business Unit, in partnership with the WA Council for Social Services will host two free workshops geared to assist and enhance the operations of Community based and Not for Profit organisations.
Fundraising, Donations, Philanthropy and Submission Writing will be held in Margaret River on Wednesday, September 24 and will cover finding grants, fundraising and community business partnerships.
Oh My Goodness, I’m on a Board! will be held in Augusta on Thursday, September 25 and will explore being a member of a Board or Management Committee.
Meanwhile, ACDA is planning a community-organised public meeting about Turner Caravan Park for Thursday, August 28 in response to the shire’s handling of the proposed development of the site.
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