The project is among more than a dozen ventures Mr McCormack recommended for approval after receiving expressions of interest and consulting with a community committee which included representatives from throughout the Riverina and Central West.

Grenfell cricket’s next match in the Cowra Cricket Competition is on February 2 at Cowra’s Twigg Oval against Morongla. Grenfell has suffered just the one loss this season.

“Grants totalling nearly $150,000 will be injected into our communities from Trundle to Cootamundra, Tullamore, Cowra, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Grenfell, West Wyalong and Coolamon,” Mr McCormack said.

“The money will help deliver projects which might not otherwise have come to fruition if not for receiving support through the Stronger Communities Programme.”

Projects include a new artificial cricket pitch at Grenfell’s Henry Lawson Oval at a cost of $10,000.

Other grants include a new storage shed at Gundagai’s Uralba Hostel, which will receive $9000 towards the $20,000 cost, and replacing a 50-year-old roof at the Shaw Street Children’s Centre in Wagga Wagga, a $27,000 improvement which will be made possible by a $10,000 Stronger Communities Programme grant.

Other projects include building a disabled access ramp at the 2AAA-FM radio station in Wagga Wagga ($9,373 grant), construction of a half-size basketball court at Beckom ($11,259 grant), new bathroom facilities for Cootamundra Girl Guides ($10,000 grant), sun protection and outdoor equipment for Yalbillinga Boori Day Care Centre at Cowra ($9,900 grant), security cameras at the Parkes Men’s Shed ($2,500 grant), and a clubhouse and fencing at the Redgrave tennis club at Coolamon ($5,546 grant).

“All these organisations receiving grants are doing great work and deserve support for projects which will make a real difference in their communities,” Mr McCormack said.

The Liberal and Nationals Government set aside $22.5 million in the 2018-19 Budget for the fourth round of the popular Stronger Communities Programme.