In December last year the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal awarded Leeton, who was one of three local government area communities, about $1 million as part of the Investing in Rural Community Futures program.

This is where monies awarded will be used over three-and-a-half years to build the capacity of Leeton shire's community groups.

In preparation for the submission for the one million dollars to come to Leeton, the shire's not-for profit sector came together for various public gatherings to brainstorm ideas, suggestions and possibilities.

All the information gathered was collated and laid the foundations for the Leeton Community Road Map.

As part of the $1 million, Leeton Connect has been awarded $90,000 in the first round of grant funding, other grant recipients in this round are the Leeton Show Society, Whitton/Murrami Public School P&C Committee and the Leeton Art Society.

Leeton Connect's $90,000 funds are being used to employ part-time co-ordinator, Ron Arel, who is employed for 20 hours per week to develop a Leeton Community Directory, which will map the organisation's details including their assets and resources.

With the funds, Mr Arel will also strengthen local not-for-profits by co-ordinating training in governance, leadership roles, strategic planning, succession planning, grant writing, new communication mediums, volunteer recruitment and retention, social media, marketing and skills development.

Mr Arel, along with the Leeton Connect board, will be responsible for driving community engagement and networking among these groups by facilitating opportunities for information exchange.

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All this will be done from the new Leeton Connect office in Kurrajong Avenue.

The Leeton Connect team has spent many hours cleaning, painting and preparing 54 Kurrajong Avenue in readiness to open the doors this week.

Opening hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 3pm and other times by appointment by calling 0407 948 397.

Leeton Connect invites the shire's not-for-profits and community to call in and check out the new office.