The current backup generator at Kentlyn Rural Bushfire Brigade is only good in an emergency for opening the garage doors and a few lights.
You can forget about their vital communications equipment such as computers when power is lost, as is often the case in bushfire emergencies.
But that’s about to change because the brigade has been successful in applying for community funding to enable it to buy a decent generator for its Old Kent Road headquarters.
The Kentlyn brigade was one of 14 local organisations to receive funding under the 2015 NSW Community Building Partnership program for the electorate of Campbelltown.
MP Greg Warren earlier today at Campbelltown art gallery announced that the Kentlyn brigade and 13 other groups would get money for their projects.
Kentlyn received $29,000 to buy and install the backup generator.
Supt Paul Norton, zone manager of the Macarthur division of the NSW Rural Fire Service, said the new generator would make an enormous difference to how the volunteer bushfire fighters responded to an emergency in the future.
“Being able to rely on all your communication equipment is really important,’’ he said.
“We are really happy to receive this money to enable us to buy a generator that can do that,’’ he said.
The NSW Community Building Partnership program supports the improvement of community infrastructure and creates more vibrant and inclusive communities by supporting projects that encourage community participation, inclusion and cohesion.
Campbelltown received a total of $300,000 in funding, with every dollar being invested into 14 local organisations to support and strengthen the local community.
Mr Warren said he was pleased to see funding allocated to so many worthwhile organisations, including some which have previously applied for funding without success.
“It was good to see funds granted across a broad range of local community organisations here in Campbelltown including sporting clubs, disability service providers and scout organisations.
“I encourage groups that were unsuccessful in this round to apply again next year, or to contact me directly to discuss alternative sources of funding.”
♦ Here is the full list of successful applicants:
1. Bradbury-Ambarvale Football Club – $33,764 for a new awning and retaining wall
2. Campbelltown Harlequins Rugby Club – $20,000 for upgrades to the club kitchen
3. Campbelltown Collegians Athletics Club – $10,000 for an electric cart to move equipment
4. Campbelltown Ghosts Baseball Club – $10,000 for new dugouts
5. Civic Disability Services Blair Athol – $10,000 for modifications to group home bathroom
6. Sunnyfield Campbelltown – $11,280 to construct a children’s playground
7. Kentlyn Scout Hall – $9,075 to repair termite damage
8. Hume Scouts HQ – $15,000 to resurface the carpark
9. Australian Foundation for Disability Campbelltown – $41,921 for extensive renovations to the main building and garage
10. Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative – $44,800 for extensive repairs to the historic Manse house
11. Ruse Football Club – $15,000 for tiered seating
12. La’u Samoa Council – $22,000 for a mobile barbecue and cool room
13. Kentlyn Rural Bushfire Brigade – $29,000 to purchase and install a backup generator
14. Leumeah Scout Hall – $28,160 for kitchen upgrades and a new security system
