Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle is thrilled to announce the securing of funding for three local community organisations, honouring a commitment made by NSW Labor earlier this year.

“We live in such a vibrant, supportive region here in the mountains and I’m proud to be part of a Government that acknowledges the worth and necessity of our community sector” Ms Doyle said. “The organisations that will benefit from this funding all contribute selflessly and tirelessly to the spirit of the Blue Mountains.”

The recipients of the NSW Minns Labor Government’s Local Area Small Commitments Funding are:

• Farm it Forward will receive $100K towards its Growing Together program which will assist them in continuing the work they do in connecting landowners with local young people and those who may be experiencing social isolation. The Farm it Forward program facilitates something quite special, providing an opportunity for real connection, not only with the earth and the food we eat but also amongst participants, landowners and the community more broadly.
• $100K will also go the Bungarabee Centre for ongoing maintenance of their site in Hazelbrook. These works will support the continued operation of their community centred services in our local area, including Connect Child and Family Services and Mountain Outreach Community Services, as well as a long day care centre, support for families whose children live with a disability, a peer support program for young parents and a playgroup for First Nations families hosted by the Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre.
• Gateway Family Services will receive $50K toward the purchase of a new delivery vehicle that will aid them in continuing to offer essential services that contribute to the well-being of our community. Based in Blaxland, they support Families in many ways, enriching and strengthening relationships between parents and carers and their children. They also run emergency assistance programs, offering Christmas hampers and help with food and utility bills. Gateway’s doors are open to everyone, offering assistance in ways that empower rather than disenfranchise.

Ms Doyle said “Each of these organisations are so deserving of our support. They do what they do out of a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Through the generosity of the NSW Government, they’ll receive a funding boost that will provide them with much-needed support so they can continue to deliver essential services for our Blue Mountains community.”