NSW Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen has been hard at work securing funding for local community groups in his region.
“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Merriwa to present funding for two important organisations within the Merriwa Community, Can Assist – Merriwa Branch and the Merriwa Business Community,” Mr Johnsen said.
The newly formed Can Assist – Merriwa Branch received $10,000 in funding to assist the branch in their support for cancer patients within the Merriwa Community with financial assistance by way of food vouchers, petrol vouchers, pharmaceutical payments, accommodation and utility payments.
The Merriwa Business Community received $3500 in funding to help support the Merriwa Local Investment EFTPOS program.
“The Merriwa Card was initiated by local Merriwa businesses in response to economic challenges presented by the ongoing drought. This program delivers financial support to both community members affected by drought and the local businesses they rely on,” Mr Johnsen said.
“I congratulate the members of these important organisations for their tireless work in providing much-needed services for community members in Merriwa and surrounding districts.”
More support for Hunter Aboriginal Community Groups
“I am pleased to advise that Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation has received a $59,926 grant to undertake environmental projects that contribute to protecting, conserving and restoring local cultural landscapes and waterways within the Upper Hunter electorate,” Mr Johnsen said.
“I congratulate Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation for their grant success, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust Protecting Our Places Program.
“The grant program empowers and provides opportunities for Aboriginal organisations to tackle local environment and cultural priorities.”
The project aims to build the capacity of WNAC to implement plans for the sustainable and long term protection of the St Clair Mission, a significant cultural place. The aim is to support local Aboriginal community groups and organisations to increase the amount of culturally significant Aboriginal land protected, restored and managed by local Aboriginal groups, land managers and stakeholders.