The purpose of the Active Regional Communities Package is to enhance the liveability, resilience and long-term sustainability of regional NSW by investing in community events, infrastructure and locally driven activities that strengthen social cohesion, support community participation, and improve the amenity of regional places.
The Active Regional Communities Package has 3 streams to target activities, with proportionate investment, to achieve the overarching objective of the Active Regional Communities Package. The Streams enable funding to support a wide range of projects that work together to attract and retain residents and workers essential to regional economic success and provide communities opportunities needed to thrive and adapt to economic or environmental change.
The three streams are:
- Regional Events and Partnerships - grants of up to $2 million will be available to support regional communities to attract or develop new events, increase accessibility and impact of existing events, boost local economies and improve liveability through new or upgraded infrastructure. Funding could be used to host sporting, cultural, music or industry events, build supporting infrastructure or upgrade facilities such as showgrounds for festivals, night markets and other community activities. Expressions of interest opening 16 March.
- Community Participation - grants of up to $1 million will be available to support projects that improve access to local activities and services. Funding could be used to upgrade sports grounds and community facilities, provide supervision and/or safe transport for participants, or provide staffing for activities that increase community wellbeing. Applications opening 23 March.
- Local Priorities - Grants of up to $100,000 will be available to help community organisations expand activities that boost well-being and increase social or economic participation. Funding could be used to upgrade safety and equipment, hire skilled staff, increase the frequency and range of activities already on offer, and support the establishment of new groups that support community connection and resilience. Applications opening 13 April.