30/09/2025

Multiple submissions from Nambucca Valley organisations were successful in the latest round of Stronger Communities Grants from the Federal Government.

The Stronger Communities Programme provides each of the 151 Federal electorates 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.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan was pleased to see the breadth and diversity of organisations putting applications in this year, particularly from the Nambucca Valley.

“Every year the competition for the Stronger Communities Grants gets fiercer, with so many worthy projects right across the Cowper electorate being put forward for consideration. This year a total of 14 projects were successful, and it was great to see a good proportion of those from the Nambucca Valley,” Mr Conaghan said.

“In total, Nambucca Valley projects were awarded over $49,000 this year, which is a record for the region and a testament to the strength of the applications. Seeing Tourism be the primary focus of the applications this year was also great to see, with the potential for knock-on positive impacts from a boosted tourist economy.”

The Nambucca Heads Bowling & Recreation Club (Club Nambucca) was awarded $20,000 to upgrade the current outdoor kids playground and provide the entire play area with shade sails for sun-safe play all year round.

Club Director Bill Coughlan described the playground’s popularity and the need for it to be sun-safe in order to be fully functional and enjoyed by all.

“The play area at the front of the club is very visible from the road and definitely attracts newcomers when they see it in use. At the moment, the equipment is in full sun and can be unappealing to use during the hottest months, which are also peak tourism season! To have a safe and comfortable area for kids and parents alike to enjoy is a big draw card and provides people with another reason to visit beautiful Nambucca Heads and our Club,” Mr Coughlan said.

The Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club was awarded $18,000 for the acquisition and instalment of solar panels and battery storage on the Club’s golf cart shed.

Golf Club GM Johnathon Zirkler commented on the increasing cost of electricity and the pressure that increasing input costs put on the Club to increase their fees to keep up.

“Any cost saving measures that we can find will assist us in keeping our member and public user fees affordable. We are a much-loved Club with plenty of visits from tourists and locals, and we want to make sure that everyone is able to afford to enjoy our pristine courses. These panels will definitely make a difference to the club’s electricity bills and are extremely welcome!” Mr Zirkler said.

Nambucca Valley Phoenix received $5,239 to purchase a commercial fridge and freezer for its café which compliments the community run Art Gallery and is a popular Bowraville tourist destination.

Manager Fiona Welsh hopes that the fit-for-purpose equipment will enable Phoenix to open the café for special community events and extended trading hours.

“We are currently collaborating with the Bowraville Theatre to provide pre-theatre event dining venue for their patrons. Our end goal is to grow the café’s trading hours to include weekends as well, which in a town that is notoriously ‘closed for business’ on weekends, would be a good thing!” Ms Welsh stated.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Nambucca received $6,000 to improve their radio communications capabilities with four new Bluetooth headsets for use in the safety helmets in order to use the public safety network hands free whilst performing rescues in dangerous conditions.

Long-time Marine Rescue volunteer Liz Ellis thanks Mr. Conaghan for delivering the important funding for the crucial life-saving unit.

“It’s great to have Pat here today to celebrate the successful grant. Any additional funding we can get our hands on is always welcome! Over the past 12 months, Marine Rescue Nambucca has facilitated 39 rescues, many of which were domestic and international tourists. Being able to access the public safety network easily and efficiently will be a great help, keeping our hands free to get on with the job safely.” Ms Ellis said.