Big wins for Upper Hunter organisations in Community Building Partnership funding

THE new Dungog Community Preschool has secured $39,907 from the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program with 2025 funding for the Upper Hunter Electorate announced last week.

“This grant will allow Dungog Community Preschool Kindergarten Incorporated to have playground amenities which are considered essential for the student numbers expected in the 2026 school year,” Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said.

“A large sandpit and shade sail are on the drawing board as part of activating the former St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Hall in Dowling Street with new playground amenities.”

The CBP program funds community projects submitted by local not-for-profit community organisations and councils which were eligible to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $450,000 allocated to the Upper Hunter electorate.

Gloucester Agricultural Horticultural and Pastoral Association Incorporated receives $36,000 for the Gloucester Showground infrastructure upgrade, which will put existing overhead power lines underground and relocate a building to replace an unsafe structure.

“Gresford Community Group can replace its original 1940s kitchen with a new commercial kitchen after receiving $29,068 and Maitland Rugby Union Club has $23,737 to install a battery for its solar energy system,” Mr Layzell added.

Also making the Upper Hunter electorate list of successful projects for the 2025 CBP round:

– Stroud Neighbourhood Children’s Co-operative Limited secured $17,001 for Echosorb panels at the community preschool to reduce excessive noise and echoes;

– Clarence Town Rural Fire Brigade has $14,049 for the purchase of new radio hand pieces, a laptop, marquee, lighting and chargers;

– Dungog Showjumping Club can upgrade essential equipment including a jump trailer, additional jumps, and a gazebo for volunteers having secured $12,730; and,

– Rotary Club of Dungog can undertake improvements at Martins Creek Hall with $10,100 towards repainting the inside walls of the hall and installing a replacement refrigerator.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing the positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes in our community.”