Eight community organisations receive $ 1,000 Rotary grants

Dragon Boats AbreastToukley's Dragon Boats Abreast received on of the Rotary Grants.

Eight community organisations have benefitted from a combined Matching Grants program.

A partnership between the Rotary Clubs of Kincumber, Terrigal and Wyong-Tuggerah, the program was held in association with the Central Coast International Women’s Day Combined Committee (CCIWDCC) and Gosford MP, Liesl Tesch.

It will deliver a $1,000 grants to each of eight local organisations to assist them with their invaluable community work.

Winners ranged from sporting groups and arts organisations to schools and outreach programs.

One recipient, Fixx Events, will put the funds towards The Christmas Fair at Kariong, including to stock more boomerang bags and reduce plastic pollution.

Day for Girls Avoca Beach, who support disadvantaged women and girls around the world who do not have access to women’s menstrual hygiene products, will use their grant money to purchase a new cutting table and associated equipment so members can work in the safest possible environment.

The Day for Girls movement was started to ensure girls could confidently continue with their education whilst menstruating and chapters like Avoca Beach contribute by creating DFG Kits for girls in disadvantaged regions containing reusable sanitary items with instructions on how to use, clean and store them.

Toukley’s Dragons Abreast dragon boat club was another recipient and use the funds to purchase a new boat trailer.

The club is the Central Coast chapter of an Australian wide dragon boating movement that promotes health, fitness and friendship among breast cancer survivors.

Other recipients include Holgate Public School’s Parents and Citizens Association who will purchase new instruments to allow more students to get involved in the school’s music program and Gosford’s House of Praise Turning Point Foundation who will use the money to boost their Operation Christmas Hamper initiative for vulnerable and disadvantaged residents.

Umina’s Naughty Noodle Fun Haus also received a grant to assist with the fit out of their new base of operations at Ettalong Hall, while WOW Wave of Wisdom will use the proceeds of their grant to help action the outcomes of their recent Caring Empowerment Summit held as part of the Central Coast’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

Liz North is the Treasurer for both the Rotary Club of Wyong-Tuggerah and the CCIWDCC and said both organisations were thrilled to be able to support two such worthy local causes.

“It’s really very gratifying to be able to help these groups – they keep giving and they reach so many people who fall through the cracks.

“They serve the community selflessly, so I feel quite humbled to support them,” North said.

Reporter: Dilon Luke