Two Wollondilly organisations will share in more than $20,000 Stronger Communities Programme funding announced this week by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor.

Community Links Wollondilly has won a $15,336 grant for its innovative Community Pantry Project – and Tahmoor Chamber of Commerce will get $5000 for the Tahmoor 100 Year History Walk.

Mr Taylor said the grants were awarded under Round 2 of the Stronger Communities Programme which aims to improve community participation through the funding of a small capital project.

“The Community Pantry Project is only in its infancy yet has already attracted more than 300 members, individuals and families, who benefit from the service,” Mr Taylor said.

“The Stronger Communities Programme grant will be used to expand the service, providing affordable groceries and essential items to residents facing crisis or financial hardship.

“The Pantry will also offer workshops, live food demonstrations, customer service experience for job seekers and other community-building activities. I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient of a Stronger Communities Programme grant.”

Mr Taylor congratulated the Tahmoor Chamber of Commerce for its successful application.

“It’s a big year for Tahmoor which is celebrating the centenary of its naming. The Chamber’s put in a lot of hard work to commemorate the 100 years and I am delighted to be able to support them in their successful grant application for the walk project,” he said.

“The Tahmoor 100 Year History Walk will be located on the footpath opposite the shops on Remembrance Drive and adorned with plaques outlining significant events in the town’s history.

“A wonderful project that will benefit many generations of visitors and residents.”

Federal funding grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 for small capital projects were available under the Stronger Communities Programme which delivered $45 million over two funding rounds from 2015-16.

The programme was open to local councils and eligible, incorporated not for profit organisations who could match the funding, in cash or kind, on at least a dollar-for-dollar basis.