By Michael Burt
The Bellingen Football Club has scored almost $30,000 through the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Building Partnership Program (CBP).
The Bellingen Community Arts Council, NSW RSFA North Bellingen and North Beach Recreation and Bowling Club at Mylestom will also get a share of the $110,000 in CBP funding granted to the Bellingen Valley LGA.
Bellingen Football Club President Peter Barron said the grant ensures that Bellingen will soon boast the best grounds in the north coast region.
“We are really stoked. It comes on top of the whole Connell Park refurbishment and makes for a very exciting year ahead,” Mr Barron said.
Mr Barron said the club’s wish list for the grant application included a new mower and line marker to keep the new fields in ‘smick as’ condition.
“We also want to fully equip a new canteen once the new buildings are done and look into some new mobile goal posts that can double up as rugby league posts.”
“It will be all about providing a better football experience for all our players, families and the community.”
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp announced the grants last week with a total of 20 community infrastructure projects in the electorate receiving a total of $450,000.
“It’s fantastic to see community groups and organisations across our four valleys receiving the support they need to deliver projects that will bring people together and strengthen the community,” Mr Kemp said.
“These are the initiatives that make a real and lasting difference in our communities. I congratulate all the successful applicants and look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
Kev Doye from RFSA North Bellingen said their grant will fund a rooftop solar and battery project to secure power supply and communications during natural disasters.
“As everyone who lives in Bellingen knows, the power does go down on a frequent basis. This will offer us a stable power supply at the times when we need it most,” Mr Doye said.
Installing new audio technology will be the focus for the North Beach Bowling Club after receiving $21,500 through the CBP program.
“It’s sensational to know that we are recognised as a club that is trying to look after the community,” said general manager Richard Moore.
“We have large events and major sporting events here, like the Putt Bennett Fishing Festival, which is well known right around Australia. Those events require a decent PA system to get through the noise of the crowd and to make sure we have quality sound output.”
The Bellingen Community Arts Council (BCAC) will use their $36,000 in funding for renovations at The Stables, which hosts local music and art groups.
The historic Stables, once the police horse stables, has been serving community and arts groups in Bellingen for over six years.
“This grant will allow improvements to the Stables that will increase the comfort and usability of the space and help to ensure the preservation of this lovely old building for future community and arts endeavors,” said coordinator Julie Hutchinson.
The Bellingen Valley LGA recieved $109,974 in funding-
• Bellingen Soccer Club Incorporated – Connell Park Facility Enhancement and Sustainability Project – $29,543
• Bellingen Community Arts Council – The Stables Upgrade – $36,121
• NSW RFSA North Bellingen – Rooftop Solar and Battery Installation – $22,810
• North Beach Recreation & Bowling Club Ltd – Audio Replacement – $21,500