Being a member of the Youth Council requires commitment, but provides many benefits to individuals who join. Participating in the Youth Council is a wonderful chance to provide input into our community’s future. Young people gain valuable experience that will benefit them for many years to come. Applications are open until Tuesday, June 12. For more information visit Council’s website.

National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.

I had the pleasure of visiting Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Russell Street to participate in their activities to learn about this culturally significant event. I read the book Birds around the Billabong to the children. It tells the story of different birds of the outback.

I would like to thank the staff and children for inviting me to celebrate an important occasion that draws the community closer together.

Cricket clubs in the Bathurst electorate are encouraged to apply for $6 million in funds made available through the upcoming 2020 ICC World T20 Legacy Fund. I am encouraging local clubs to apply for projects which support local cricket participation and benefit the whole community. The fund offers an excellent opportunity for clubs and association to form partnerships with local councils to improve the quality and quantity of community facilities.

The ICC World T20 Legacy Fund will be delivered over three years to support grass roots through to elite level cricket participation. This first round of funding provides an exciting opportunity for councils and local clubs to consider projects that provide long-term benefits to local communities. Successful projects between $5,000 and $250,000 will be funded up to 50 per cent of projects costs. Applications for Round 1 are now open, closing July 13, 2018. Visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/nsw-sportsevents/worldt20.

It’s that time of year again and I’m looking for small ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure projects to benefit from a total share of $330,000 for this year’s Community Building Partnership Fund. These might include a new kitchen for a clubhouse, new flooring, an access ramp, repairs for a toilet block, a shed for sporting equipment or a shade sail in a playground.

A range of structures or refurbishments that support the community are eligible for funding and I urge local councils and not-for-profit groups to apply. Local sports clubs, charities, men’s sheds and Scouts or Girl Guides are just some of the groups that have benefitted from this funding in the past from this program.

The NSW Government has made improving local infrastructure a key priority and our strong economic management allows us to make this investment. If your organisation or club needs extra funding for the building, refurbishment or enhancement of facilities then I’d strongly encourage you to apply. Applications are open now and close at 5pm on Friday, June 15. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible. For more information about the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, visit: the www.nsw.gov.au/cbp.