The popular initiative assists local not-for-profit organisations, who are encouraged to improve or enhance their respective facilities/activities in Aberdeen, Bunnan, Ellerston, Gundy, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Moonan, Scone and surrounding areas.

In the previous round, 21 groups shared in almost $15,000 in funding for a range of projects.

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said it was great to see the variety of endeavours being supported.

"This program increases awareness of what cultural activities are available in our shire and assists the organisations to offer them," he added.

Community organisations who received the 2018-19 Cultural Activity Grants (CAG) included:

* Aberdeen Senior and Little Athletics Centre Inc. purchased a "special needs kit" to help young athletes, especially those with disabilities, to engage in activities;

* Bunnan Memorial Hall Trust brought the community together for an old time bush dance and meal. This was an opportunity for the local community to come together and socialise during this tough time of drought;

* Ellerston Public School created their dream "makerspace", a weatherproof indoor and outdoor area to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and technology in a creative way;

* King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge hosted its Gentle Giants of the Horse World event including a replica Cobb & Co harnessed to a team of Clydesdales demonstrations, fun activities, bush poetry, photography and 'up close encounters' for all, was experienced at the 2019 King of the Ranges event;

* Merriwa Historical Society and Museum saved 20 significant local photos from 1910 and 1920, preserving and restoring them digitally and framed for display;

* Merriwa Pre-School and Activity Centre Association created a Cultural Education Hub with an indigenous mural, a bush tucker garden and an undercover cultural learning area, featuring natural furniture and resources;

* Murrurundi Landcare Group (Page's River Warriors) created an outdoor classroom for the local schools beside the Pages River;

* Murrurundi CWA held a Christmas Bunting Workshop;

* Scone Arts & Crafts installed a new improved level art hanging system;

* Scone Grammar School Parents and Friends Association developed an indigenous playground space with a traditional yarn circle, native plants and a mural;

* Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre celebrated cultural diversity with an event for Harmony Day;

* The Rotary Club of Scone created pre-kindergarten preparation and activity packs to help parents prepare students with social, literacy and numeracy skills to start school; and

* Upper Hunter Moonan Mummers replaced the stage curtains in the Soldiers Memorial Hall, Moonan Flat, where their theatre productions raise funds for local charities.

For a full list of the community groups and the projects that have received CAG, visit council's website at upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

To apply for a Cultural Activity Grant, go to http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/f.ashx/documents/temp/2019/Cultural-Activity-Grant-Application-2019.pdf

Applications close on Friday, August 30.

Successful projects will be announced in late September.

For further information, phone community services on 6540 1100.