LIFE & STYLE
NSW Government to kick off new year with $ 450,000 in local infrastructure grants opening
The next round of the NSW Government Community Building Partnership program will open to applications this month in January with $ 450,000 available to the Mt Druitt and Riverstone electorates . The program invests in local infrastructure projects that deliver positive social , environmental and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation , inclusion and cohesion .
Since 2009 , the program has awarded more than $ 464 million to more than 20,900 projects across the state .
Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and local councils will be eligible to apply for grants of between $ 10,000 and $ 100,000 .
Grants can be for building , refurbishing or repairing community infrastructure , or for buying freestanding equipment or vehicles . Edmond Atalla , Member for Mount Druitt said , “ The Community Building Partnership program has been a cornerstone of support for our local communities , delivering real and lasting benefits . I urge eligible organisations in Mount Druitt to begin planning their projects now , so they are ready to apply when the program opens on the 28 th January .”
Warren Kirby MP for Riverstone said , “ This is a long-running program for a reason – the grants make an important and lasting impact in our local communities .”
“ Local people know what their communities need when it comes to local infrastructure , and the NSW Government Community Building Partnership program is a way to help meet those needs .”
“ I encourage those eligible organisations to start thinking about projects that need attention in their parts of the electorate , ahead of applications formally opening .”
Local people know what their communities need when it comes to local infrastructure , and the NSW Government Community Building Partnership program is a way to help meet those needs .
Program Guidelines will be available soon at www . nsw . gov . au / cbp .
Applications will be accepted online from Tuesday 28 January 2025 and will close at 5pm AEDT , Friday 21 February 2025 . Successful organisations will be announced later in 2025 .
New constables arrive in Blacktown City
The Class of 364 graduated 298 new police officers and 18 are bound to the Blacktown City Local Government area with 7 new Probationary Constables in Blacktown Local Area Command ( LAC ), 7 in Mt Druitt LAC and 4 at Riverstone LAC .
NSW Premier Chris Minns said , “ Congratulations to Class 364 , who today begin their journey in one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers there are .”
“ Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training . And it ’ s also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force .”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said , “ I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force .
Ms Webb said , “ With application numbers on the rise , I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks .”
Stephen Bali MP , State Member for Blacktown said , “ This is one of the largest classes to graduate from the Academy in a decade , with 18 to be deployed across Blacktown City area .”
Mr Bali said , “ The Minns Labor Government ’ s long-term plan to rebuild the police force through initiatives such as the introduction of paid academy training which encourages older police recruits to switch careers ; recent acceptance of the Minns
Stephen Bali MP with some of the new recruits .
Labor Government ’ s historic four-year pay agreement improving wages after abolishing the wages cap that will all help address recruitment and retention .”
The new police graduates will undertake 12 months of on-the-job training including general duties police work and gain valuable experience working alongside their seasoned colleagues training that ensures the safety and security of communities across Blacktown City .
Blacktown Local Area Commander , Superintendent Rod Pistola said , “ The new recruits are a welcome addition to the local police force and looking forward to watching their careers flourish as they engage and protect the community .”
Mr Bali said , “ People of our local community look forward to welcoming and working with our new police officers in making our area more respectful and safer .”
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 46 // JANUARY 2025 15