Disability support services on the Northern Beaches have been given a boost through a number of community grants made possible by the creation of Northern Beaches Council.

The grants are part of the Stronger Communities Fund established by the NSW Government under the Fit for the Future program to kick start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.

Northern Beaches Council Administrator Dick Persson said the Northern Beaches will benefit from an injection of more than half-a-million-dollars that has been given to 25 not-for-profit community groups to deliver projects that will make our community more inclusive, vibrant and sustainable.

“These grants will support the work of community organisations doing great things to help make our community more inclusive.  

“Funding will help to advance economic and employment opportunities and enhance social participation for children and adults. I am pleased grants have been awarded to a number of organisations on the Northern Beaches supporting people with disability,” Mr Persson said

Sunnyfield, one of the grant recipients received $37,475 to deliver technology-driven courses to help with the education, employment and social integration of people with intellectual disability.

Sunnyfield Community Liaison Manager Rajika Gilhotra said the grant will enable Sunnyfield to establish a learning space for people with disability where, through enhanced skill development, they are able to develop personal and social networks as well as embrace job opportunities. 

“The use of technology will ensure that the training meets the individual learning style of each participant, covers all aspects of their social and economic goals, and ultimately supports their sustained inclusion in the community.”

The maximum grant amount is $50,000, with a minimum of $5,000. The funding is being allocated over two rounds with a total of $500,000 per round. Round Two applications open on 3 April 2017.