The theme centred on Building Tomorrow’s Communities and the presentations addressed issues such as how councils, often working in partnership with other levels of government, or the private and not-for-profit sectors, were shaping the future and responding to challenges that may lie ahead.

Discussion topics included economic development and the role that local government plays in not only the local economy, but also the national economy.

The event provided the opportunity to meet with other local government representatives from around Australia and discuss the latest strategies and initiatives improving both city and regional communities.

THERE are 33,000 people in Australia who experience some type of cardiac arrest each year.

The first eight minutes after a person has a cardiac arrest are the most critical and early access to CPR and defibrillation can increase the likelihood of survival by up to 75 per cent.

It is great news that community sports clubs in our electorate will be eligible to apply for a 50 per cent co-funding contribution for a lifesaving defibrillator from October this year.

As part of the 2017-2018 Budget, $4 million will be allocated over four years to help sporting clubs across NSW purchase and maintain Automatic External Defibrillators (AED).

We will be rolling out more than 2500 AEDs over the next four years, under the Local Sports Defibrillation Program, which will also see community members trained in how to use them.

With thousands of spectators and players attending sporting events around the state every week, having AEDs at those venues will save lives.

Applications from clubs will be invited from October this year through the Office of Sport website: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator

Building for the future

APPLICATIONS for the very popular Community Building Partnership (CBP) program will open next Monday at 9am, closing 5pm on Wednesday, August 9.

The program supports projects that encourage community participation and cohesion and which deliver positive social, environmental or recreational outcomes.

Stay tuned for opening announcements next week. In the meantime, you can find more information by visiting www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au/home

Arts and culture boost

THROUGH the new Regional Cultural Fund, the NSW Government is investing $100 million into regional towns and cities to develop new and existing arts and culture projects.

The fund can be used to upgrade existing spaces including galleries, theatres, libraries, museums and halls. As well as building and refurbishing facilities, the fund can also be used to support projects that take exhibitions on tour and provide easy viewing, no matter where people live.

Galleries and museums will also be able to apply for operational funding to support the delivery of services that provide distinct experiences for visitors.

Investing in arts and cultural facilities in the bush will provide recreational and educational benefits as well as increased tourist visitation, bolstering our local economies.

Expressions of interest for the Regional Cultural Fund will open on July 17, with successful projects being invited to provide additional information. Visit www.create.nsw.gov.au