The NSW Government announced the "Building the Country" funding package in November 2008.

The Community Hall Renewal Package is 2.5 Million over five years to help small communities in country NSW to renovate, extend or upgrade community halls.

Grants will be provided to community based organisations for materials and equipment on a non-recurrent basis that demonstrate a clear community benefit by repairing or upgrading the hall.

Funds of up to $50,000 per community will be provided to not for profit organisations in communities of 10,000 or less population. Funding for projects is to be matched on a 2 for 1 basis for every $2 dollars provided by Government the community must contribute $1 either in-kind or as a financial contribution. Projects are to be supported by local government.

The funding application process is open all year.

For an applicaton form and for further information on the criteria and guidelines for the Small Communities Awareness grants see the documents below in pdf format. Adobe Reader is required to view these files.

Information on Community Hall Renewal Fund (313 KB)
Community Hall Renewal Fund Application Form (126 KB)

The NSW Department of Lands Office of Rural Affairs is administering this fund and contact details can be obtained from their website at http://www.lands.nsw.gov.au/about_us/ora.