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The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is, again, offering support to Aboriginal communities that have been affected by drought.

Under the Australian Government’s Empowering our Communities program, WNSW PHN has opened a new round of Community Well-being grants, offering between $1,000 to $20,000 for community projects that focus on Aboriginal well-being in drought-affected areas to improve mental health and community resilience.

“This is the fourth round of Community Wellbeing grants to support Aboriginal communities in the WNSW PHN region that have been so devastatingly impacted by the drought,” said WNSW PHN acting CEO, Robert Strickland.

“The types of projects we are looking to fund include community health and well-being projects, initiatives that build the capacity of the workforce, education and health promotion activities,” Mr Strickland said.

He added, “Despite rainfall across large parts of our region during recent months, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 has meant that the region is fighting back on two fronts, so I wholeheartedly encourage those in the region’s drought-affected Aboriginal communities to lodge an application for the funding available.”

Aboriginal community groups and organisations, sporting groups, not-for-profits and others that meet eligibility criteria and are located within the WNSW PHN area are welcome to apply for funding.

Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the program is making a real difference in his electorate, funding important community-led initiatives.

“I have seen the positive outcomes delivered through previous rounds of the Coalition Government’s Empowering our Communities program and I encourage other eligible organisations to consider how they can use a grant to help communities in need,” Mr Coulton said.

“While large parts of the electorate have enjoyed drought-breaking rain over the past year, the impacts of drought, coupled with the ongoing effects of COVID-19, continues to be felt across the region. And now, to top it off, some communities are dealing with major floods.

“So, although most of the electorate is no longer in drought, this funding is as important as ever to ensure our local Aboriginal communities come through stronger in the face of adversity.”

For more information and application to WNSW PHN’s Community Well-being Grants program, visit www.wnswphn.org.au/drought or call 1300 699 167.