Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie will host information sessions for community groups interesting in applying for Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

“Round 5 is now open and I'm hosting drop-in sessions in Mount Barker and Victor Harbor for community groups seeking advice or direction with their grant applications,” Rebekha says.

“Members of my team along with Stephen Shotton from Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island will be available to discuss any issue you might have putting together your application.”

The drop-in session at Mount Barker will be held at the Electorate Office, Shop 1/72 Gawler Street, Mount Barker, on Thursday, February 11, 11am to 2pm.

The drop-in session at Victor Harbor will be held at the satellite Electorate Office, 26 Hindmarsh Road, McCracken, on Friday, February 12, 1pm to 4pm.

“The $1billion Building Better Regions Fund for major infrastructure projects is designed to create jobs and drive economic growth in regional communities outside the major capital cities,” Rebekha says.

“Since coming into office I have advocated successfully to include Mount Barker and other parts of the Adelaide Hills in the areas eligible to apply and our region has secured a number of grants.

“In Round 4 Alexandrina Council secured $3.7 million towards their $7.5 million project to upgrade Goolwa's wharf precinct, a project I had been writing letters of support for applications for some time, so I was delighted that our community's persistence finally paid off.

“Victor Harbor Council also secured $20,000 to fund a Festival and Events Strategy and Action Plan.

“Round 3 recipients from Mayo included the Apple & Pear Growers Of SA, the Gumeracha Main Street Project and the Rotary Club of Victor Harbor.”

The Commonwealth has set aside $200 million in the 2020/21 Budget for Round 5 of the BBRF.

Round 5 includes two streams: $100 million to support tourism-related infrastructure projects that focus on mitigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a region's tourism industry.

The other $100 million will support regional remote Australia more broadly, by funding general infrastructure projects and community investment projects.

Applications close on 5 March 2021. More information about the fund and application criteria is available at www.business.gov.au.

For more information about the information session, contact grants co-ordinator Milly Pink via email or call the Mayo Electorate Office on 8398 5566.