Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has congratulated a number of community based groups in his electorate which will share in $17,500 of grants to assist with staff and volunteer training, office accommodation and capital equipment purchases.

 

The groups include Citizens Wildlife Corridors Armidale Incorporated, Southern New England Landcare Ltd, Uralla historical Society, Landcare NSW, Granite Borders Landcare Committee Inc. and the Australian Country Music Foundation Inc.

 

“These groups are making valuable contributions towards protecting and conserving our environment and heritage and promoting a sustainable future for Australia,” the Member for New England said.

 

“People often see the big things in the electorate like the $80 million Bolivia Hill project or $500,000 for refurbishing the Glen Innes airport,” he said.

 

“But they don’t always recognise you are there for some of the smaller organisations like Landcare, the Uralla Historical Society or the Australian Country Music Foundation.”

 

“I’m happy these grants assist in the great work these important community groups do.”

 

Uralla Historical Society president, Sue Singleton thanked Mr Joyce and expressed the society’s appreciation for the funding.

 

“It will really help us,” she said.

 

Ms Singleton said the society’s McCrossin’s Mill had expanded into the restored chaff shed late last year and the additional two floors of extra exhibits had ensured an even better public attraction.

 

“We’re going really well at present and we really appreciated this funding which helps us with our expenses,” she said.

 

Funding recipients:

Citizens Wildlife Corridors Armidale Incorporated - $3000

Southern New England Landcare - $5000

Uralla Historical Society - $2500

Landcare NSW incorporated - $3000

Granite Borders Landcare Committee Inc. - $1500

Australian Country Music Foundation - $2500