Grants give projects a helping hand

The Shire of East Pilbara has been awarded more than $160,000 thanks to the 2017 Pilbara Community Chest Fund

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman announced last week the successful grant recipients, with the Shire being awarded $169,916 for four projects.

The 2017 Outback Fusion Festival was granted $20,000, the Newman Aquatic Centre Redevelopment Plans received $50,000, and the Martumili Artists got $99,916 for their From Pujiman to Millennial collaboration with Spinifex Hill Artists and the Martumili Evaluation and Impact Project.

Shire president Lynne Craigie said the funding was the first step in achieving an active and healthy community.

“The funding for the festival will help us cement the Outback Fusion Festival as the Shire's premier event celebrating multicultural diversity,” she said.

“We were also thrilled to receive funding for the Newman Aquatic Centre redevelopment plans.

“The Shire’s strategic plan is committed to active and healthy communities and redevelopment of the aquatic centre will help to achieve this.”

“Our long-term goal is for the centre to have a purpose-built Learn to Swim 25m pool, and the funding helps us make the first step towards achieving this.”

Ms Craigie said the grant for the Martumili Artists would help the Shire prepare for exhibitions and projects, including the upcoming From Pujiman to Millennial exhibition.

“Not only is this a boost for Martumili Artists but also for the East Pilbara Arts Centre, which is one of the premier arts facilities in the Pilbara and where Martumili are based,” she said.

Shire of East Pilbara Pilbara Development Commission chief executive Terry Hill said the funding provided an essential kick start for a range of projects across the region.