Grants to deliver projects for West Kimberley communities

• Eleven not-for-profits and schools in Broome receive more than $50,000 in grants
• Communities to benefit from grassroots initiatives supporting education, mental health, social connection, culture and the arts
• Scheme funded by sale of Rhodes Grass Hay produced at Water Corporation's Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility

Over $50,000 has been awarded to eleven not-for-profit groups in Broome through Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.

Water Minister Simone McGurk announced recipients at a special ceremony last night, which included guests from local schools, Aboriginal corporations, sporting clubs, historical societies, and other community groups.

A further three recipients will share in $15,000, to be announced at a second presentation ceremony in Kununurra on 14 June.

Among this year's recipients were:

• Derby Media Aboriginal Corporation who received $10,000 to upgrade their studio to better reach the community;
• Fitzroy Valley Rodeo Club which will rebuild their equine therapy program with an $8,000 grant, after it was impacted by January's devastating flood event; and
• One Arm Point Remote Community School who sought $2,000 in funding to deliver a school camp for students from across Kimberley that are heading to high school.

The scheme is funded through the sale of Rhodes Grass Hay produced at Water Corporation's Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility, which provides an environmentally sustainable way of recycling used water.

Delivered in partnership with the Lions Club of Broome, the scheme provides funding to not-for-profit community groups for projects that help enrich the lives of local residents.

Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has provided more than $585,000 to 105 not-for-profit and community groups across the Kimberley.    

For more information about the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme, visit: www.watercorporation.com.au/kcgrants. 

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"It was an honour to announce eleven of the very worthy recipients of Water Corporation's Kimberley Community Grants Scheme last night in Broome, with another three to be announced two weeks from now in Kununurra.

"This year, the community will benefit from projects to improve Aboriginal communication, social connection, education and culture. Funds will also help a local equestrian therapy program in Fitzroy rebuild after the devastating floods earlier this year.

"The scheme is funded from the proceeds of Rhodes Grass Hay which is irrigated using recycled water from Water Corporation's Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant, providing an innovative and sustainable means to support the local community. 

"The $65,000 of funding through this round of grants brings the total provided since 2016 to $585,000 - which has enabled 105 projects to improve the lives of people in Kimberley."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina Grace D'Anna:

"Each year I'm thrilled to see so many great initiatives being funded through the Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.

"These projects really enrich our Kimberley communities, and I thank Water Corporation for its ongoing support."

Minister's office - 6552 6600