Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [12.10 p.m.]: I was overwhelmed by the large number of applications I received seeking assistance from the Community Building Partnership Fund. The response from community organisations highlighted the importance of such a program, and the many applications for funding shows that there are many other projects that local community groups would like to progress if only they had seed funding. Had I been provided with $1 million to allocate, there would still be many worthy projects that missed out. This fund has clearly demonstrated the vision that many local organisations have to improve community amenity. The Community Building Partnership Fund provided a welcome injection of funds to support local infrastructure, with $418,491 eventually allocated to assist 33 projects across the electorate. The successful applicants and their dedicated volunteers provide great cultural and sporting diversity while enriching the fabric of our communities.

Barraba has a population of about 1,400 residents, so the injection of $43,000 into the local economy for three projects is a great stimulus. Barraba Combined Pensioners and Senior Citizens Incorporated is installing a heating and cooling system at the Seniors Centre, the Barraba Bulldogs Rugby League Club is constructing a brick kiosk and storage area, while the Showground Management Committee is carrying out a refurbishment of its grounds. On the top of the Moonbi Range, Bendemeer township had a population of 221 residents, so $4,073 to upgrade and repair the Bendemeer preschool is a great investment in this small but vibrant community. I have been extremely impressed with the work of the Boggabri and District Historical Society, and I enjoyed meeting with members to learn more about their activities in preserving the town's history while attracting visitors. This group will extend their Men's Shed using $18,500. About 35 per cent of Boggabri's population is aged 55 and over, so this will be a welcome addition to local infrastructure that will help engage older community members.

Kelvin has a population of about 350 residents. Community halls are vital community assets in our smaller areas, and the Kelvin community hall trust will use $6,800 to build a new kitchen. Similarly, Tambar Springs is a close-knit, rather isolated community of about 200 residents. Its local branch of the Country Women's Association will use $20,000 to refurbish and upgrade the local hall's kitchen. Loomberah is the location for Tamworth Clay Target Club's Shooting Stars complex. They are one of several local organisations that provide high-standard facilities for the large number of responsible shooters in our local area. They will be able to upgrade their lighting through a $10,107 grant. Kootingal is a vibrant, growing community about 20 minutes from Tamworth. The township and surrounds has a population of about 3,900, and two grants of $6,000 each were obtained to allow the Kootingal Development Committee to refurbish the recreation reserve amenities block, while the hall trust will install weather protection at both the front and back entrances.

At Somerton the Anglican Church will use $10,000 to restore the local church. Somerton is part of the Manilla Parish, and the church plays an important part in the town's heritage. At Werris Creek, Liverpool Plains Shire Council is undertaking an upgrade of the main street to complement the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum. It will use $20,000 to enhance this historic railway precinct. The Peel Valley community of Dungowan will benefit through $20,000 provided for the district tennis club to upgrade and restore the community tennis complex, and Dungowan Hall Trust will use $15,000 to complete the lining on the ceiling of the community hall. Gunnedah Greyhound Club's biggest day of the year is this upcoming Sunday, with the Chief Havoc Greyhound Racing New South Wales Country Challenge Final being held. The club is upgrading its betting ring enclosure using $18,000 of funds from this project. Gunnedah TAFE will receive a community garden project through a $5,000 grant to Liverpool Plains Land Management. Gunnedah PCYC will use $8,000 to paint its clubhouse, while Gunnedah Family and Children Services will close in the child-care centre veranda using $20,000.

As one of New South Wales major regional cities, Tamworth has a multitude of community organisations that benefit from this program. Fifteen projects shared in over $188,000, allowing the Coledale Residents Association, Tamworth Girl Guides, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, the Oxley Dog Training School, the Pirates Rugby Union Club, Tamworth Police and Community Youth Club, Tamworth and District Model Engineering, the Tamworth Community Men's Shed, the Tamworth Hockey Association, the Tamworth Montessori Association, the Tamworth Pistol Club, the Tamworth Radio Model Aircraft Club, the Regional Conservatorium of Music, the Stroke Recovery Group and Youth Care to all undertake important projects. I am delighted that a wide variety of projects in many communities were able to benefit from this program. The demand for funds clearly demonstrates that the Government should continue this support. The response by so many applicants also highlights the need to expand this program until the backlog of worthy projects is cleared. I hope to see a similar program instituted in the future.