If you have a bushfire recovery project idea – apply for these latest grants – $4.5m for Hawkesbury

Regions that were disaster declared because of the 2019-20 bushfires – including those in the Hawkesbury – are eligible to share in $280m under the new Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) grants program.

Some of the groups who missed out on the just-announced Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLERF) Program may also be eligible to resubmit their applications.

And given these grants are typically complicated to apply for – some have found a simple error or omission can mean they are not accepted – there will be support available to help with the grant application process, including in-person and online workshops.

“Both the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been allocated $4.5 million, so it’s a great opportunity for people to get funding for projects that help our community,” Federal MP Susan Templeman says.

“This is funding that my Federal colleagues and I in bushfire affected areas have fought long and hard for, and I welcome the recognition that there’s a long way to go before we can consider that we’ve recovered.

“Grants can range from $20,000 up to $10 million, and the guidelines are out now, ahead of applications opening later this month, to give people time to think about what will benefit the area they live in.

“Some of the groups who missed out on the just-announced Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLERF) Program may also be eligible to resubmit their applications,” says Ms Templeman.

A broad range of recovery and resilience projects that can be supported through the grants – from social and community wellbeing projects right through to projects that support the recovery of local economies and built environments – will all be considered.

The program is not available for individuals, partnerships or trusts. To be eligible, you must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:

· A community organisation, local business or incorporated association

· An incorporated charity or not for profit organisation

· An Aboriginal Land Council or indigenous corporation

· A local governing agency or body (such as a Council), or ACT governing agency.

Applications open on July 22 and close on September 2.

Visit recovery.gov.au/black-summer-grants for more information.

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