Community Economic Development Fund beneficiaries celebrated
Published on 26 February 2022
The first recipients of a total of $526,333 under the groundbreaking Singleton Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) have been recognised at a special afternoon tea, appropriately at a venue that will be transformed thanks to Singleton’s new approach to the use of Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) monies.
Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore, The Bloomfield Group Chief Development Officer Geoff Moore and Glencore General Manager Ashley McLeod yesterday met with representatives of 13 successful community organisations including Singleton Country Women’s Association (CWA), which received $87,997 for upgraded kitchen amenities.
The CEDF was established by Singleton Council in partnership with The Bloomfield Group and Glencore using proceeds from VPAs in a proactive approach to managing the impacts of mining by using the money to increase economic growth and productivity, as well as promote health and wellbeing for the people of the Singleton local government area. The Fund is administered by the CEDF Joint Management Board comprising Council, The Bloomfield Group and Glencore representatives.
Applications for the first round of funding were called in October last year and approved this month. The full list of successful projects is:
- Singleton Netball Association – lighting upgrade to courts 1- 6: $56,331
- Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association – business case for improved connectivity to the nbn: $50,000
- Singleton PCYC – BBQ trailer to support PCYC fundraising endeavours: $20,000
- Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter – sculpture seating for the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre: $14,200
- Youth Off the Streets – support services for youth program: $41,000
- Hunter Women’s Centre – domestic violence counselling services and prevention: $30,020
- Singleton Landcare – regeneration of PA Heuston lookout: $12,200
- Singleton Country Women’s Association – upgrade of kitchen amenities: $87,997
- On Track Hunter – youth education and employment program: $60,000 ($30,000 per year for two years)
- Singleton Heights Pre-School – food pantry project: $26,880 ($13,440 per year for two years)
- Broke Residents Association – Bulga to Broke discovery trail feasibility study: $50,000
- Singleton Triathlon Club – electronic timing device: $17,705
- Lifeline Hunter – establishment of crisis support hub for suicide prevention in Singleton: $60,000 ($30,000 per year for two years)
Singleton CWA president Bronwyn Dunston said the CEDF funding would be used for a modern and extended kitchen, upgraded toilets and storage space.
Apart from new benchtops, the kitchen at their Pitt Street building hasn’t changed since 1945.
“We were very excited when we found out we’d been successful. We weren’t expecting to get anything, but to get the whole amount is great,” Bronwyn said.
“This project will give us more space and modern rooms that are brought up to standard, and hopefully attract more members and other groups who’ll be able to use the commercial kitchen.”
CEDF board members were thrilled to meet with about 20 people from the successful applicants yesterday.
“The goal of the fund was to support projects that deliver longer term benefits to the local community and as one of the major contributors to the CEDF, we are excited to see these projects coming to fruition,” Glencore General Manager Ashley McLeod said.
The Bloomfield Group Chief Development Officer Geoff Moore said he was delighted to see the fund providing tangible benefits to the community of Singleton.
“Each of the recipients will be delivering real benefits to our community across a large variety of projects,” he said.
“Bloomfield has a long history of supporting the Singleton community and we’re very proud to be part of this initiative and to continue our support.”
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said today’s event was a wonderful occasion to meet with the community groups who will deliver a range of projects to support the economic, social, physical and mental wellbeing of the community.
“It’s important to note that without this Fund, all of these projects would still just be ideas or plans on paper, waiting for the resources to be delivered,” she said.
“This is a great way for everyone in our community to benefit directly from VPA money, and a wonderful cohesive approach by Council, The Bloomfield Group and Glencore to ensure our community is supported now, as well as into the future.”
ENDS