Applications for the City of Palmerston Community Benefit Scheme are open for the 2018/19 financial year.

City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell, said the funding program is an important way for Council to provide practical assistance to the community.

“Council actively supports initiatives which benefit the Palmerston community in a number of ways, including providing support by way of grants, donations, scholarships and sponsorships.

The Community Benefit Scheme provides the opportunity for community groups to seek funding to assist with the important services and events they provide to our community. 

Last financial year Council awarded funding to a diverse section of the community to carry out a wide range of activities – from on-going support for the Palmerston R.S.L. sub-branch for Anzac Day, to funding the purchase of a mobile barbecue to allow the Palmerston Lions to further support the wider community.

Community groups and organisations delivering projects in Palmerston that will benefit our community in 2018/19 are encouraged to apply for funding through Council’s Community Benefit Scheme,” said Mayor Pascoe-Bell. 

Cazalys Palmerston Club and Palmerston Golf Course were recently granted $30,000 per year, for three years, to support the Northern Territory PGA Championship, which is held in Palmerston.  

Cazalys Palmerston Club General Manager, Matt Hewer, said, “The City of Palmerston’s commitment to The Northern Territory PGA Championship will allow the Palmerston Golf Course to remain on trend and meet its long-term vision of being a significant golfing spectacle for Palmerston and the Northern Territory; one which continues to attract a broad media interest and tourism attendance.”  

Child Australia, a not for profit organisation who provide an Early Learning Centre to the community of Palmerston, were also granted $2000 to support an indoor cubby house project. 

Lead Educator Johanna Mahon said, “Within the Early Learning Centre there are many areas where the children engage and the most popular is the ‘home corner’, where the children go to cook, dress up and care for the baby dolls.

The primary goal for this project is to offer the children rich opportunities to enhance their learning and change the room dynamics. With the cubby house in place the children are able to engage in this area and use the resources purposefully which will provide endless opportunities of active role play and imaginative play,” she said. 

During 2017/18 the City of Palmerston awarded $95,509.00 in community funding through Council’s Community Benefit Scheme, supporting 21 Palmerston community groups and not-for-profit organisations.  

In addition to the funding allocated above, Council provided $40,300 in value of in-kind support to community organisations. This includes reduced venue hire fees for Council facilities to host community events and activities.

This year, Council has increased available funding by 30%, up from $100,000 to $130,000.

Community Benefit Scheme applications may be made to Council at any time throughout the financial year. Forms are available on Council’s website www.palmerston.nt.gov.au or at the Civic Plaza customer service desk.