Thriving Communities Program

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (14:37): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister please inform the chamber about today's announcement regarding the government's Thriving Communities Program?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for his question. As this chamber, hopefully, is aware, the Thriving Communities Program, delivered through the government's Thriving Regions Fund, provides grants of between $20,000 and $50,000 for projects that deliver new or upgraded infrastructure and equipment or events with wellbeing outcomes for regional communities. Eligible projects show that they build social capital through increased community participation, improved accessibility or by creating a sense of belonging amongst community members. Past successful projects have included community kitchens, playgrounds, shelters, storage facilities and restoration and upgrades of existing infrastructure.

Late last year, I announced the opening of the most recent round of the Thriving Communities Program, and the round was so popular that it was heavily oversubscribed. Today, I was delighted to announce that the government has allocated an additional $1.2 million in funding to the greatly successful round. I am so pleased that this funding will assist more community groups in our regions in bringing important projects to fruition. I am also very excited to announce 10 projects that have been successful so far in various communities across the state. The successful projects include:

the Port Broughton Bowling Club Incorporated, for 'Ramp it up: improving access for all to the Port Broughton clubrooms'. The bowling club has secured up to $50,000 for this project to make this important community facility more accessible. I am told that this bowling club is used widely by the community and is available to be booked for events, so accessibility is vital;

the Orroroo Netball Club has been awarded up to $49,948 for its outdoor youth zone, which intends to provide a space for community members to participate in various outdoor activities, including basketball and soccer;

the Echunga Memorial Institute Incorporated has secured $25,180 for an upgrade of rainwater catchment for the institute roof. The institute is the home of the Echunga Post Office, Meals on Wheels, RSL, community noticeboard and Community Times. I am told that the institute relies on this rainwater for its running water and functioning toilets;

the Kulpara Old School Site Committee has secured up to $50,000 for its project, Nature Meets Community: Kulpara School Site Revamp. This project aims to redevelop an old school site into an outdoor space for community members;

the Balgowan Progress Association has been awarded up to $27,058 for the upgrade of the local playground into a safe and modern play space;

the Nairne Golf Club will receive up to $37,275 to upgrade its clubrooms and surrounds through upgrades to disabled access;

the Dunjiba Community Council has secured up to $50,000 for its food hub infrastructure upgrade. The community food hub in Dunjiba addresses food insecurity challenges in the community. The upgrade will provide safety and amenity updates to improve the hub for volunteers and community members accessing those services;

the Blinman Men's Shed Incorporated will receive up to $31,451 for the Blinman Community Hub Project Community Garden. I am advised that this project aims to provide an important community space; and, finally,

the Prospect Hill Community Organisation Incorporated is receiving up to $48,656 for rainwater tanks for the community hall and war memorial in Prospect Hill. I am advised the tanks will provide safe and reliable drinking water and additional water resources for the CFS.

I am excited to see these projects come to fruition and also to see the fantastic ideas of other community groups that have put in applications that will be assessed in the coming weeks.