The program did not involve a competitive grant assessment process , rather it was the City of Newcastle partnering with key local community sector agencies in a timeframe that had never been previously achieved . In total , $ 175,000 ( approximately ) was committed as part of the Rapid Response Grants to seven local community organisations , with all of the funds expended by the second week of April 2020 . Most of the recipients focused on the provision of emergency food services .
The second phase of the program was through the competitive Boost Our City Community Sector Grants . Similar to the Rapid Response , the Boost Our City grant program aimed to assist with responses to COVID-19 related challenges focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk members of our community . Unlike the Rapid Response , a formal assessment and acquittal process was put in place . One of the key stipulations within the guidelines was that applicants had to demonstrate the degree to which goods and services , including employment , was procured locally . In total , 32 applications were approved with a total funding of $ 500,000 ( approximately ). An additional 35 applications were received but declined .
“ It sends a message to the community that Council cares about members of the community that need to be taken care of . The program has helped to keep our clients healthy and alive .”
Outcomes : The range of activities that were funded through the Community Grants program included scale / pivot for food preparation and distribution , care packs such as essential grocery items for vulnerable or isolated people , technology assistance for vulnerable communities to connect to support or for education services and increased counselling and case management services . A number of the successful applicants were interviewed as part of the evaluation process . Qualitative feedback included :
• Increased morale for staff . For example , Meals on Wheels were able to purchase a new plating system with the funding which positively affected staff morale during a stressful time : “ As soon as the machine arrived you could see a difference in staff . Spirits were lifted . Finally , here was some investment to help them do their work .”
• Increased social and emotional wellbeing for clients as organisations were able to pivot their service offering .
For example , Hunter Multicultural Communities modified their service to include daily in-person visits to isolated and vulnerable community members : “ It gave clients a lot more assurance that they weren ’ t going to be left alone and that someone cared .”
Overall , the strength of the program was that it was perceived to send a message to the Newcastle community that Council cares about supporting its vulnerable community members :
“ It sends a message to the community that Council cares about members of the community that need to be taken care of . The program has helped to keep our clients healthy and alive .” – Community Sector grant recipient interviewee
Learnings for Economic Development Practitioners : Unexpectedly , the implementation of the Community Grants program in two phases was one of the key strengths of the program . The Rapid Response Grants did not follow a formal assessment process , and this departure from routine practice presented challenges internally requiring dedicated support from finance and contracts staff members . However , the speed and immediacy of CN ’ s response through the Rapid Response program built support and confidence across the local community sector . This was reflected in the scale of local interest in the Boost our City grant program ( released 1.5 months later ) with a + 200 % oversubscription to the $ 500,000 program . This philosophy could be shared in all economic development initiatives where quick wins lay the foundation for transformative long-term projects .
E-LIBRARY EXPANSION
Overview : This program involved a significant expansion of the existing digital library with the aim of increasing wellbeing , enjoyment and online learning opportunities for City of Newcastle Library subscribers during periods of isolation . Newcastle Libraries already has one of the largest digital library offerings in Australia and over 90,000 active members . Council invested $ 100,000 at the start of the pandemic to provide a whole suite of additional titles and content for members including new e-book and e-audio platforms , Storybox Library , Press Reader , two movie streaming platforms , a music-streaming platform and National Geographic online .
Outcomes : As part of the broader Resilience package evaluation , an online survey was administered with members of the City of Newcastle ’ s libraries . The aim of the survey was to understand patterns of usage before , during and after the lockdown period and gather feedback about the program offering of the E-Library . The survey received 567 responses . E-Library subscribers indicated that 46 % had used the E-Library more frequently ( and 38 % about the same amount ) during lockdown mostly to download e-books and audio books and 82 % felt that they would continue to use the E-Library in the future . Satisfaction levels with the E-Library were high with 87 % either very satisfied or satisfied . Survey results also confirm that the program has provided long term value add to the community with three-quarters of respondents increased usage sustained post-lockdown . Positively , three-quarters of the sample felt that access to the E-Library benefited them or their family either during or after lockdown .
E-Library data shows that since the E-library expansion there has been a steady increase in membership and substantial increases in library app usage , downloads and borrowing of E-material . Increased use appears to have been sustained post-lockdown , over 2020 . There has also been increased social media coverage and positive sentiment associated with the E-Library service .
In response to a question regarding personal benefits of the E-Library service during lockdown , survey participants identified that it overcame accessibility barriers associated with the pandemic ( and for some mobility barriers which are part of an everyday lived experience ), and that this was an important source of continuity , enjoyment and relief / relaxation .
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