Coffs community to benefit from Southern Phone Grant
Outdoor gym equipment will soon be installed at Brelsford Park thanks to a $15,000 community grant. Telecommunications provider, Southern Phone, this week presented three community groups in the Coffs Harbour region, which shared in $25,000 in funding.The grants include money for Volunteering Coffs Harbour Inc. to complete an exciting project at Brelsford Park.
“We’re in the final stages of putting new age-friendly outdoor gym equipment in the the park – it’s all about promoting health and fitness in the community,” recipient Anna Gleeson said. “This grant will go toward installing the proper matting to go under the equipment and we’re looking to get it up and running as soon as possible.”
A second grant was awarded to South Coffs Community Garden Inc. for construction of a $5000 security container and storage area. The non-profit group was set up last year and is in the process of building the community garden in a lot behind the Boambee East Community Centre.
“It’s been about a year for us sourcing grants so we’re pleased to get this one,” recipient Graham Davey said. “The idea (of the garden) is to give the opportunity for the public to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for their families.” The project is currently at the concept design stage and is pending approval from the council. “The garden will service south Coffs Harbour and it’s about being able to have a place to gather and share knowledge, and build community cohesion and harmony,” co-recipient Amanda Flack said.
Eastern Dorrigo Hall and Showground Committee also received a $5000 grant for the second stage of a children’s playground. “We received a grant from Southern Phone last year which enabled us to build the first section but now we can do the second stage, which is the big swing set,” recipient Cherie Mundkowski said. “There was no playground in the community before we started the project and the kids are just rapt with the park already.”
Southern Phone Managing Director Mark Warren said $1million in grants will be issued in regional NSW this year. “We’re looking for groups who may have struggled receiving grants – it’s a way our business can share funds back to regional communities,” he said. Southern Phone is a public company owned by 41 local councils, including Coffs Harbour, each of which has an equal shareholding.