The Royal Agriculture Society of NSW Foundation has opened its applications on November 19 for grants up to $20,000.

The deadline to send applications is February 17, 2017.

RAS Foundation manager, Cecilia Logan, said the grant was a unique opportunity to support regional and rural communities.

“Community halls and social clubs play an important role in a country community and what better way to bring people together than through a central location such as a kitchen,” Ms Logan said.

“We are honoured to be able to donate these appliances to towns who need them most.”

The grant awards kitchen cabinetry and benchtops alongside at least $10,000 worth of kitchen appliances.

RAS said these industrial appliances are the best equipment on the market.

Read also:

Dust storm is on the way, here’s what you need to do

Meet Lithgow’s new Fire and Rescue station officer Steven Houghton

Funding announcement a windfall for the Parkes community

Coolah Showground and Recreation Reserve Trust in the Central West and Tooraweenah Memorial Hall in the Orana region were the grant winners last year.

Sal Edwards, a community development co-ordinator at Coolah Showground, said it can be difficult for country communities to rally the support to upgrade facilities.

“Winning this grant was a huge boost for us,” Mr Edwards said. 

“The catering at many events held at the Coolah Showground are valuable fundraising opportunities for numerous community groups.”

Tooraweenah Memorial Hall’s secretary, Lester Thurston, echoed the importance of their kitchen upgrade on community spirit.

“Tooraweenah is a small but very proactive community and the hall is an integral part of the social fabric of the area,” Mr Thurston said.

“Grants like this really make a big difference to small communities like ours.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit:

https://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships-and-grants/community-futures-grant/