The representatives of the groups were presented with their cheques on Wednesday, sharing in the $18,000 that was raised during the open garden weekend at the end of October. 

Bathurst Gardeners’ Club president Karen Granger said it was all possible thanks to the support of sponsors, those who opened their gardens and those who visited them.

“We’re really, really grateful to the local community for coming out to the open garden weekend and supporting us,” she said. 

The groups that received the support were the 2BS Lions Christmas Miracle appeal, CanAssist, Headspace, Miss Traill’s House, the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Eglinton Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, Glanmire/Walange Rural Fire Service and Hill End and District Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. 

All the recipients were grateful for the support. 

Secretary Kingsley Picker said the Eglinton Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade was one of the few brigades that had breathing apparatus and could enter buildings where these were required.

The brigade plans to use its $3000 to replace the gas detection unit it has. 

“[The money] goes a long way to help funding for extra things,” Mr Picker said.  

Coordinator of the Christmas Miracle Appeal, Noela Sikora, said the funding would help in making a difference to people’s lives at Christmas time. 

“It will go towards the food for the elderly and less fortunate receiving hampers,” she said.

Headspace program manager Nicki Halliwell said the organisation will use the $2000 it received to buy furniture for its new premises.

“It is one of our primary aims, to create a youth-friendly environment,” she said. 

A full list of the money each group received is below: