17/11/2025

Urunga’s much loved Country Women’s Association building on Morgo Street has been provided a well-deserved funding boost as a result of both the Stronger Communities and Volunteer Grant programs provided by the Federal Government.

The Stronger Communities Programme provides each Federal electorate with up to $150,000 in total to fund small capital projects. Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are awarded to successful applicants.

The Volunteer Grant Programme provides each electorate with up to $66,000 in total to help not-for-profit community organisations to support the efforts of Australia’s volunteers. Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are awarded to successful applicants.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan joined the passionate CWA Urunga members for afternoon tea this week in celebration of their successful applications across both community grant programs in 2025, being awarded $17,040 from Stronger Communities and $2,500 under Volunteer Grants.

“Every year the competition for these important community-based grants gets stronger, with so many worthy projects right across the Cowper electorate being put forward for consideration in what is ultimately a small total funding pool,” Mr Conaghan said.

“The Urunga CWA has narrowly missed out on these grants in recent years, so to be able to see them finally successful across both streams for 2025 is wonderful and so well deserved. We all know how much each branch of the CWA does for their local communities and those in need. They have always been a positive force to be reckoned with!”

CWA Urunga Assistant Secretary and grant writer Lynda Saunders expressed gratitude on behalf of the branch and outlined how the funding had already begun to be used.

“We are lucky enough to have a Child and Family Health Clinic on site here at the Urunga CWA Hall which is a real benefit for young families in our community. But we have always struggled with a lack of appropriate ventilation that causes mould, as well as the heat discomfort in summer,” Ms Saunders stated.

“But the $17,040 from the Stronger Communities Grant has helped us address these issues. We now have vents throughout the building and mould resistant paint, and two air conditioning units will be installed soon to ensure everyone attending the hall is comfortable. Plus, we were able to purchase a Smart TV that will allow us to link into State and District meetings as well as professionally display presentations here at the Hall.

“And with the $2,500 from the Volunteer Grant, we have been able to install two new Westinghouse ovens, with side opening doors and at chest height making them user friendly for all ages. Before now, we had a lack of baking and kitchen facilities, which I know feels unheard of for a CWA building! We can now comfortably and safely bake our famous scones and treats on site to provide to local fundraising groups like Urunga Public School and Bellingen High School’s P&C Association.”