Shire funds to support initiatives benefiting Broome Community

Published on 19 June 2024

The Shire of Broome Council has pledged to provide more than $150,000 of funding to assist local community-based organisations through the Community Development Fund (CDF) program.

Thirty-two community organisations will share $153,341 under Streams 1 and 2 of the CDF, with the money to support the development of animal welfare, wellbeing, social, cultural, economic, recreational, environmental, and reconciliation projects and initiatives that benefit the Broome community.

Another $77,500 of Stream 3 funding was awarded to the Shinju Matsuri Festival in March, to allow for the organisation of this year's event.

The grants were unanimously approved at a Special Meeting of Council on Thursday, June 6.

The CDF Program is funded by both the Shire and Energy Developments Limited (EDL) - West Kimberley Community Fund.

The funds will help facilitate projects occurring between July 2024 and June 2025.

This year's CDF Stream 1 recipients include:

• Helping Minds - $6000 for art supplies and materials, artist's fee and catering required for the creation of a mural.
• Incredible Edible Broome - $6000 to stage its Grooves in the Garden: Cultivating Sustainable Food Communities event.
• Broome Soccer Association - $6000 towards travel expenses for a development camp and the Northwest Championship
• Floorball Broome - $6000 for an extensive three-day training camp for coaches, referees and goalkeepers.
• RSPCA WA - $6000 for the Community Action Day.
• Sharing Stories Foundation Limited - $6000 for media equipment.
• Pearl Coast Gymnastics Club - $6000 to help stage a competition in Broome, providing a pathway for the State Championships in Perth. 
• Broome Little Athletics Centre - $6000 to assist with travels expenses for club members to attend Perth State Championships.
• Judo Broome - $5000 toward the establishment of a new Judo club in Broome.  
• Broome Squash Club - $3000 for the opening and closing ceremonies.
• Broome Town Band - $3000 to assist with performing in community events.  
• Broome Historical Society Inc - $2700 towards oral history training fees.
• Sammy the Dragon Broome - $2500 for volunteer consumables.
• Broome Catholic Church - $2500 to put on the annual Christmas Nativity Play.
• Broome Men’s Shed - $2500 for restoration materials.
• Broome Bullets Netball Club - $2000 for netball club uniforms.
• Broome Towns Sports Club - $1500 for an upgrade of resources.

CDF Stream 2 recipients included:

• Theatre Kimberley - $19,191 for the hire of BRAC facilities, professional fees and production costs for the Sandfly Circus end of year show.
• Broome Bowling Club - $15,000 to host the annual Shinju Matsuri Open Tournament and the Broome Open Pairs Championship.
• Broome CIRCLE - $10,671 towards the Harmony Week Dinner and Dance through the Era’s events.
• Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange - $10,00 for artist payment and travel expenses towards Bidyadanga Music Week events.
• Matso’s Broome Brewery - $10,000 for toilets and security at the  Matso’s Street Festival.
• Broome Performing Arts Co - $7185 to fund Civic Centre rental for annual concert.
• Touch Football Australia - $2500 for venue hire, equipment hire, promotion and consumables for the annual Beach Touch Footy event.

Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell expressed gratitude to EDL for its generous contribution.

 He said the diverse initiatives supported by the Community Development Fund (CDF) enhance knowledge, appreciation, and community involvement in local art, culture, and heritage and foster positive activities and provide pathways for local youth.

He said applications were given priority if the initiative was new, the organisation attracted volunteers, and it aligned with the strategic priorities of the fund.

"This ensures ongoing funding for various worthwhile causes, supporting fresh ideas and enriching experiences that our community can enjoy.”

“We’ve also provided funding to several past recipients who have effectively translated Shire community grants into tangible benefits for the community.”

“I look forward to seeing the results of this year’s initiatives.”

Full details of the Community Development Fund recipients and grants can be found in the Special Meeting of Council Meeting, June 6, 2024, at broome.wa.gov.au/minutes_agendas