SUPPLEMENTARY

BUSINESS PAPER

General Meeting

Wednesday 9 April 2014

at 6:30 PM

Hornsby Shire Council                                                                                           Table of Contents

Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS

Item 16    EH4/14 Community Donations Program Third Funding Round 2013/14 .......................... 1          

Group Manager's Report No. EH4/14

Environment and Human Services Division

Date of Meeting: 9/04/2014

16 COMMUNITY DONATIONS PROGRAM THIRD FUNDING ROUND 2013/14

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

·              Council’s Community Donations Program provides financial assistance to local community groups or organisations to deliver projects that address identified needs and provide support to Hornsby Shire residents.

·              One application has been received in the third funding round for 2013/14.  This application was from the Dangar Island Historical Society for $2,000 to deliver an event celebrating the 125^th Anniversary of the opening of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge.

·              It is considered that the application satisfies the Community Donations Program Policy criteria as a cultural event and improves awareness and use of cultural resources within the Shire.  It also seeks to increase participation in local events therefore building a sense of belonging.

·              It is recommended that the application from the Dangar Island Historical Society to celebrate the 125^th Anniversary of the opening of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge be funded.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council grant $2,000 to the Dangar Island Historical Society.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to provide Council with the information required to allocate funds from the 2013/14 Community Donations Program.

BACKGROUND

Council’s Community Donations Program (the Donations Program) is designed to reflect Council’s commitment to its community development role and to encourage participation in creative and relevant community driven events and activities within the Shire that address the diverse needs identified in Council’s Community Plan.

It does this by providing financial assistance to local community groups or organisations in accordance with Council’s Donations and Grants – Council Cash and Non-Cash Policy (http://hsconline.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/appenquiry/user/policy).

A budget of $65,000 is allocated to the Donations Program for 2013/14, of which there is a remaining balance of $49,290 available for distribution to applicant community groups.

DISCUSSION

One application for funding has been received in the third funding round of the Community Donations Program.  The application for $2,000 from the Dangar Island Historical Society would enable the development and delivery of a two day event on the island to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the opening of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge in 1889.

Event activities will include an exhibition of artefacts and relevant materials in the Dangar Island Community Centre, a history tour on the Hawkesbury River, storytelling events and a community celebration at the Dangar Island Bowling Club.  A souvenir map/guide will also be produced.  Activities are open to all residents of the Shire.

Following assessment, it is considered that the application meets the revised policy criteria in that it closely aligns with the three program objectives.  Specifically, it is considered that the subject of the application will seek to create a vibrant culture within the Shire, will improve awareness and use of cultural resources within the Shire and it will increase participation in local events which builds a sense of belonging.  Accordingly, full funding is recommended for this application.

There is a total of $49,290 remaining available in the 2013/14 Community Donations Program budget for distribution.  A balance of $47,290 would remain if the recommended allocation of $2,000 to the Dangar Island Historical Society is approved.

BUDGET

There is a total of $49,290 remaining available in the 2013/14 Community Donations Program budget for distribution.

A balance of $47,290 would remain if the recommended allocation of $2,000 to the Dangar Island Historical Society is supported by Council.

POLICY

The 2013/14 Donations Program has been conducted in accordance with Council’s Donations and Grants – Council Cash and Non Cash Policy.

CONCLUSION

An application for financial assistance has been received from the Dangar Island Historical Society to deliver an event to celebrating the 125^th anniversary of the opening of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge.

Council officers have conducted an assessment of the application against the Community Donations Program Policy and are of the view that the application satisfies the policy criteria.  An event of this nature would assist in creating a vibrant culture within the Shire, improve awareness and use of cultural resources within the Shire and increase participation in local events building a sense of belonging.

Accordingly it is recommended that this application be funded.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Community Services – David Johnston who can be contacted on 9847 6800.

David Johnston Manager - Community Services Environment and Human Services Division

Stephen Fedorow Group Manager Environment and Human Services Division

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

File Reference:           F2013/00283

Document Number:    D02887757