Businesses and not-for-profits encouraged to get innovative

Published on 09 September 2025

Not-for-profit organisations, entrepreneurs and businesses with a project to boost economic growth or promote health and wellbeing for the Singleton community are encouraged to apply for Round Five of the Singleton Community Economic Development Fund.

The groundbreaking fund, established in a partnership between Singleton Council, The Bloomfield Group and Glencore to best use VPA (voluntary planning agreement) proceeds has delivered a total of $1.9million to the Singleton community since it began in 2021.

Projects have included upgrades for facilities for community organisations such as kitchen and bathroom amenities for Singleton Country Women’s Association (CWA), sports facilities including the Maison Dieu Mountain Bike Track and Singleton Netball, mental health programs, support for community events, and a program to support business growth.

The Round Four beneficiaries were Novaskill to run a construction skills and qualification program and Cooinda Retirement Home for an outdoor all-weather accessible space for residents.

Deputy Mayor of Singleton and chairperson of the CEDF Board, Cr Sue George said applications for Round 5 were open until 31 October.

“We’ve seen some amazing projects delivered for our community during the life of the Fund so far, meeting needs for social inclusion and improving quality of life for our residents as well as targeting economic growth and prosperity,” she said.

“We’re really proud of this innovative approach to using VPA funds to support local organisations and businesses to deliver the programs and initiatives that they’ve identified are needed by our community, or will boost the local economy.”

Potential applicants must attend at least ONE CEDF information session to be eligible to apply. The first session was held on 9 September, and three dates remain including face-to-face and virtual:

Thursday 11 September | 5.30 – 6.30pm | Virtual via Teams
Friday 12 September | 10 – 11am | In person at Singleton Public Library
Monday 13 October | 2 – 3pm | Virtual via Teams

“It’s compulsory to attend at least one session because we want to make sure everyone understands what we’re looking for in the applications and to provide some background on how they will be assessed,” Cr George said.

“From upgrades to community facilities and public art installations through to support services and employment programs, we’ve seen some brilliant projects get off the ground because of this Fund and we’re looking forward to seeing what will come to fruition in Round Five.”