More than 150 participants plus representatives from 19 Federal Government departments attended Grantsmart Expo 2006 held in Canning Vale in March.
The event was organised by the Perth Area Consultative Committee (Perth ACC) as a showcase of government funding opportunities for community groups, small businesses, local government and not-for-profit organisations.
Organisers reported a high level of community interest in the event – so much so that it was oversubscribed.
Departments represented at the Expo included the Department of Transport and Regional Services, The Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Perth ACC is the primary point of project and application development for the Australian Government’s Regional Partnerships program which invests in projects to provide greater economic and social participation in the community. Examples of recently funded projects include the extension of the Castledare Miniature Railway in the City of Canning and the City of Armadale’s Rushton Park redevelopment.
Deputy Chair of Perth ACC, Elizabeth Taylor, said the event had been a great success in getting out the message to the wider community about government funding opportunities.
“We were excited that so many people wanted to be a part of the day,” Ms Taylor said.
“I felt that people went away with answers. They had something concrete to work on and they had a clear idea where they wanted to go with their project.”
The Grantsmart Expo had a wider presence in the State in 2006 as Expos were held in Busselton and Williams where organisers also reported good numbers.
The Member for Canning, Mr Don Randall, opened the Perth Expo which was also attended by the Member for Hasluck, Mr Stuart Henry, the Member for Tangney, Dr Dennis Jensen, and WA Senator David Johnston.
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