The initiative offers grants of between $2500 and $20,000 to community organisations and local governments for small capital works projects that aim to improve community participation and vibrancy throughout the region.

Expressions of interest applications are now open with submissions due by 5pm on Friday, August 11.

To be eligible for a grant an applicant must; be a community-based not-for-profit organisation in its own right and not owned by state government; be a local governing body and a legal entity with a current Australian Business Number (ABN).

“The Stronger Communities Program offers a unique and valuable opportunity to make a real difference in our electorate,” Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said.

“There are countless great ideas and projects that are simply lacking the funding to make considerable impact within the community.

“I encourage organisations within the Hunter electorate to submit an expression of interest application before August 11 to ensure they are in the running for their projects to be funded.”

Input from the community is a key to the program with successful projects selected by the Federal Member of Parliament in conjunction with a community consultation committee, which will be made up of local representatives who will assist in prioritising projects of lasting and real benefit.

Examples of projects that may be funded under the program include the construction and fit-out of men’s sheds; fit-out of community centres, health centres including kitchen upgrades and equipment purchases such as computers, TVs and furniture and fittings; sporting facility upgrades including new scoreboards, seating, new turf, fit-out out of changes rooms, new canteen, new lights, upgrade water systems, gymnasiums, skate parks streetscapes and bike paths.

For more information about the Stronger Communities Program, and the application process, visit www.joelfitzgibbon.com/grants