A popular grants program which provides funding of up to $20,000 for small community groups will open next week, and I encourage all interested organisations to get in touch with his office.

The Stronger Communities Programme, which has been offered by the Morrison Liberal National Government for the past six years, provides funding of between $2,500 and $20,000 for not-for-profit groups to undertake small capital works projects.

There are so many community organisations throughout the electorate who have benefitted from earlier rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme, including Mackay Junior Rugby League, the Kookaburra Childcare Centre, VMR Whitsunday, the Bowen Historical Society and the Burdekin Brass Band to name just a few of the latest recipients.

We are about to launch Round 6 of the programme and will be accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) forms from eligible groups from Monday, January 19.

An added benefit in this round is that applicants may be eligible for 100 per cent of funding, to support our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first step in the process is that groups need to request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form from my office and return it by February 26.

This provides time for me to meet with my community consultation committee and recommend approved applicants, ahead of the final close of applications on March 22.

Key details

• 19 January 2021 - Applications open for Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme

• 26 February 2021 – Expression of Interest (EOI) must be lodged with Mr Christensen’s office

• 5 March 2021 – Approved applicants advised, following MP consultation with committee

• 22 March 2021 – Applications close

• A maximum of 20 projects, to a total value of $150,000, can be recommended

• Projects must be completed by 31 December 2021.

Find out more about Stronger Communities Programme Round 6 via this link Stronger Communities Programme – Round 6 | business.gov.au

Contact Mr Christensen’s office for an EOI via email at George.christensen.mp@aph.gov.au or phone 07 4944 0662.