New round of funding for Kimberley Regional Development Scheme

Kimberley Minister Jon Ford today announced the approval of grants made available through the 2007-08 Kimberley Regional Development Scheme (KRDS).

The KRDS is a component of the Regional Investment Fund and represents the State Government’s commitment to regional Western Australia.

Mr Ford, in Broome today to announce the KRDS grants, said this year’s scheme was able to support 14 projects, with State funding exceeding $420,000 for all the projects.

“These projects have been assessed to provide positive outcomes to the people living in the Kimberley region and will provide leverage to ensure that these valuable projects are achievable,” he said.

Projects receiving funding were:

·        $14,000 to Stalker Stilt Theatre to develop the Marrugeku Youth Project;

·        $20,000 to Biridu Association Incorporated for improvement to the Biridu Tourism Base Camp near Fitzroy Crossing;

·        $10,000 to Broome CIRCLE House for the development of a comprehensive Strategic Direction plan;

·        $25,000 to the Derby Volunteer Marine Rescue Group as a contribution towards the construction of a new rescue facility in Derby;

·        $27,273 to Jalbi Bush Medicine for the scientific testing of traditional bush medicine to meet complementary medicine standards;

·        $20,000 to the Kimberley Development Commission to provide a regional scholarship to encourage research that yields regional benefits;

·        $10,000 to Kimberley Interpreting Services for interpreter recruitment and training in the Kujungka region, south of Halls Creek;

·        $25,000 to the Miriuwung Gajerrong Ord Enhancement Scheme Management Committee to undertake a housing audit of indigenous community housing;

·        $50,000 to the Mirima Council Aboriginal Corporation as a contribution towards the structural extension of the Mirima Language and Culture Centre;

·        $50,000 to the Mulan Aboriginal Corporation to construct a purpose-built creche facility;

·        $40,000 to the Ngonwar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation for the construction of an art/hobby centre within the expanded drug and rehabilitation centre in Wyndham;

·        $50,000 contribution towards construction costs of a Health Education and Promotion Unit at the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health service facilities;

·        $20,000 to the St John’s Ambulance for a safe and appropriate patient transfer facility at Broome Airport; and

·        $60,000 to Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation as a contribution towards the upgrading and expansion of the facilities at the art centre.

Information about the Kimberley Regional Development Scheme is available from the Kimberley Development Commission on 9193 6795 or http://www.kdc.wa.gov.au