Thriving Communities Program

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (14:30): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the announcement of the first round of successful Thriving Communities grant recipients?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am very pleased to be able to announce the first round of successful recipients of the state government's $600,000 Thriving Communities Program. The Thriving Communities Program is dedicated to projects that build resilience, increase participation and create opportunities for groups across the state to build upon their incredible work in providing services to their regional communities.

It is another way in which our government is working to make regions more livable, inclusive and able to support regional communities and their interests. Of course, this is ever more important as more and more South Australians realise just how good their lifestyle can be by moving to one of our many great regions and as community groups within those regions work hard to provide access and inclusivity across a range of interests and activities.

The successful projects announced in this round of funding are diverse in their scope and interests. I think that is important as we seek to ensure as many community groups and associations as possible can have the opportunity to access funding if their projects meet the criteria for the Thriving Communities Program.

In no particular order, this round of the program will see the following projects funded: the Bundaleer Forest Community Areas Association, $50,000 for wayfinding and directional signage for safety, amenities and attractions; Orroroo's 54 31 Collective, $44,379 towards a range of measures to assist the community, including establishing a community garden, holding a series of resilience workshops and introducing an annual rural women's celebration event; the Glencoe Woolshed Branch, National Trust, $36,000 towards the construction of upgraded toilet facilities, including disability toilets; the Naracoorte District Men's Shed, $21,000 towards stage 2 of its new engine shed. We know how important—and really incredibly important—men's sheds are to their communities, and I am very pleased that the Naracoorte men's shed will benefit from this program. And there is $28,802 for the Millicent Golf Club that will go towards constructing wheelchair and disability access.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the successful recipients and to inform community associations and registered charities that they can still apply for grants ranging between $20,000 and $50,000 under the Thriving Communities Program until 30 June this year, unless the program funding is expended prior to that date.

I do really look forward to seeing all of these projects come to fruition and once again congratulate all involved. The Thriving Communities Program will remain an important part of the Thriving Regions Fund and will no doubt lead to many more great outcomes for eligible community groups, associations and registered charities.