LEETON'S strong track record of pulling together when it needs to has paid off in almost one million ways.
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The shire, through the Leeton Connect organisation, has been chosen as one of three NSW communities to participate in a unique program, which will allow access to a large funding pie to the tune of $950,000.
The program - Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) - will run for four years.
The funds will create a central hub for not-for-profit groups in the shire where a co-ordinator is employed, community needs identified, workshops are run and information gathered.
The aim is to co-ordinate community knowledge, skills and resources by creating and maintaining databases and creating community engagement and networking opportunities.
Unlike other grants, this money will be used to invest in building "people capacity".
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The program is a joint initiative of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.
For the better part of a year, Leeton Connect - the committee set up to gain access to this funding - has been working to bring together the shire's 161 not-for-profit groups to be part of this program.
"Our local organisations saw the big picture and came together to form Leeton Connect," member Sue Gavel said.
"Now, these very generous funds from FRRR will help get Leeton more connected."
Over the coming six months, FRRR will work closely with Leeton's not-for-profits to support them to develop a plan unique to their situation, allocate resources and more.
"Leeton Connect is poised to effect change and builds off a very organised and well-equipped community base," IRCF program manager Alli Mudford said.
"Leeton Connect is really about bringing all of the not-for-profit groups together to make the best use of community resources, skills, knowledge and equipment.
"Leeton has a strong track record of pulling together when they need to, which has been clearly demonstrated with their application."
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