Council extends community assistance

A project to teach young musicians how to play The Last Post, Sunday's Wallsend Winter Fair and a diversity festival in Hamilton's Gregson Park have all received support from Newcastle City Council's annual grants and sponsorship program.

Twenty-two sporting, cultural and charity groups will share in a total of $68,100 provided under Council's 2017/18 Community Assistance grants for events in the current financial year.

"The recipients of this year's community assistance grants represent a broad sweep of the Newcastle community," Council's Interim CEO, Jeremy Bath, said.

"From the Wallsend Winter Fair and a women's cricket competition to a computer course for seniors and OzHarvest's great work, the grants support brilliant community-building events and initiatives - all of which make the city a better place.

"Together with our economic development, events and recreational facilities grants and sponsorships, this year Council is providing funding to projects and events for some 205,000 people with an expected economic benefit of more than $14.2 million."

Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch was awarded a $5,000 community assistance grant for a program to teach young musicians how to play the military bugle.

The program will be offered through various high schools in Newcastle.

"We're very grateful for the grant and the ongoing support from Newcastle City Council for our great Anzac Day commemorations," Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch president Ken Fayle said.

"The program will ensure that future services across Newcastle all enjoy top-quality renditions of The Last Post, rather than relying on recorded music."

The Wallsend Town Business Association will host the 32nd annual Wallsend Winter Fair this Sunday with help from a $5,000 community assistance grant.

Attracting up to 30,000 people, the fun-filled day features entertainment on two stages, more than 130 market stalls, food vendors, amusements rides and show bags.

"The fair creates a sense of pride in Wallsend and the surrounding area," events manager Rhonda Campbell said.

"It also raises around $40,000 for community groups, engages all ages and cultures and fosters positive connections among diverse groups."

Another initiative to benefit from a community assistance grant of $3,000, The Unity in Diversity Festival, will celebrate Newcastle's diversity in conjunction with Refugee Week next June.

Displaying the best of the multicultural community through performances, workshops, stalls and food, the festival offers diverse community members a chance to connect with the wider Newcastle public.

"The main aim of the day is to welcome new people to the Newcastle area," the festival's Jo McGregor said

"Beginning with a welcome march, it's an opportunity to learn from each other, build connections and celebrate in an enjoyable and safe public space."

Last month, Awabakal Ltd celebrated NAIDOC Week with a Family Fun Day supported by a $5,000 Community Assistance Program.

Live entertainment, children's rides, market stalls and traditional dance featured at Smith Park, North Hamilton event.

Other recipients of community assistance grants include: