Community Partnerships Program
Community Enhancement Board members.
The Illawarra Coal Community Partnerships Program (CPP) was established in 2004 in order to support community projects and initiatives in the regions around our Appin and West Cliff mining operations.
The project is expected to inject around A$1 million into the local community during the five years of the program. Funding is provided through base funding from Illawarra Coal and a contribution equivalent to three cents per tonne of saleable coal from West Cliff and Appin per year.
Across the past three years, the program has contributed more than A$390,000 to 34 worthwhile initiatives in the Wollondilly regions.
More than A$60,000 was allocated to projects in the last round of applications, which included an all-weather awning for the senior student quadrangle at Camden High School, the commissioning of a River Health Study on the rivers in the Wollondilly region, a website for the Wollondilly Tourism Association, and improved disability access for the Wollondilly Heritage Centre.
The Community Partnerships Program has also supported a variety of other projects, including:
- Extensions to a Volunteer Rural Fire Service station building
- The replacement of a scout hall interior
- Amphibious wheelchairs to allow people with disabilities to go into the ocean
- The development and provision of support material for the Wollondilly Cancer Support Group
- Local sportsground lighting
The CPP is administered by a board of up to six community representatives and two employees of Illawarra Coal. This allows for community-based decision-making on the allocation of funds, which enables a greater level of community awareness and ownership of the program and its spending.
The board considers all funding applications and provides support to those it considers best meet the criteria in two funding rounds each year.
To be eligible for CPP funding, applicants need to demonstrate that the proposed project supports the communities in which the Appin and West Cliff Mines operate (e.g. Appin, Douglas Park and other nearby communities).
Community projects will be considered for funding from the CPP in all or some of the following areas:
- Aged care
- Community access to services
- Economic development (e.g. tourism)
- Health and medical services
- Town recreational facilities
- Arts and cultural projects
- Persons with Disabilities
- Education and youth
- Environment and heritage
- Voluntary service
The program values projects that demonstrate:
- Sustainability – continued project life after funding
- Partnerships – community ownership of projects and joint funding
- Innovation – projects that meet particular needs and are not otherwise funded
- Broad community benefit and application
The CPP calls for nominations from organisations in two funding rounds each year. Nominations close on 31 March and 30 September.
Download the Application Form (PDF 31KB) and Information Brochure (PDF 6 MB)
If you would like any further information on this program please contact:
Zina Ainsworth
Phone: (02) 4255 3319
