Archive for category: News

Farmers can drop-off their old table grape covers, irrigation tube and grain silo bags for free during a pilot program to improve the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics in Sunraysia and Loddon.

The pilot program is being launched this week in conjunction with the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre strategic plan, which focuses on research and development in horticulture, water, energy and the environment that can be implemented to transform the region.

The pilot is part of the National Agricultural Plastics Stewardship Scheme, which is working to develop a viable market to recycle agricultural plastics. It is being led by agricultural consultancy firm RMCG in collaboration with Growcom and a diverse range of partners and local businesses in the region.

“Plastic waste is a huge problem for our primary producers in Australia. As there are limited options for recycling this type of waste, it is often disposed of in harmful ways that can pollute our environment,” RMCG Principal Dr Anne-Maree Boland said.

“We know industry want to do the right thing and this pilot provides an opportunity to work with industry leaders, collect end-of-life agricultural plastics and turn these products back into new ones to help farmers reduce waste and save money.”

From May to October 2022, collection sites will be open in Mildura, Swan Hill and Ouyen. Materials are free to drop-off at the collection sites, with a fee-for-service farm collection available for large amounts of agricultural plastic.

“We are only collecting table grape covers and irrigation tube from horticulture and grain silo bags from broadacre cropping, as these materials are the most problematic for the region,” said RMCG Project Manager Carl Larsen who is coordinating the pilot.

“Following the results of the pilot, we hope to develop a broader scheme that makes it easier to collect and recycle more agricultural plastics in Sunraysia and Loddon and other regions around Australia.”

Mr Larsen said it was easy to prepare table grape covers, irrigation tube and grain bags for recycling.

“The plastic needs to be clean and rolled for collection, so make sure you separate all materials and brush off any excess dirt and plant matter. Retrieval equipment will be available to help producers prepare their irrigation tube and grain bags,” he said.

Drop-off sites and collection times

▪ Mildura Rural City Council landfill, 15 Scherger Dr, Mildura VIC 3500
Tuesdays 8:15am–4:45pm, Wednesdays 8:15am–4:45pm and Thursdays 8:15am–4:45pm

▪ Swan Hill Rural City Council landfill, 6859 Sea Lake-Swan Hill Rd, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Thursdays 8:30am-11:30am

▪ North West Ag Services, 101 Farrell St, Ouyen VIC 3490
The first Wednesday of each month from 3:00pm-5:00pm with a BBQ and networking opportunity.

Further information and an expression of interest form can be found at rmcg.com.au/agplasticpilotvic.

Wentworth’s upgraded Aerodrome hosted critical NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) training this week.

NPWS personnel utilised the Aerodrome to conduct helicopter winch training, which forms a key part of wildfire suppression operations.

Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said the Aerodrome upgrade, delivered almost completely in-house by Council’s works teams, has allowed Wentworth Shire Council to provide an all-weather, 24-hour facility for agencies such as NPWS to use.

 “The Aerodrome upgrade represents a significant investment in our community and we are pleased to see it operating to this level,” Mayor Elstone said.

NPWS Area Manager Jo Gorman said the training session was important.

“NPWS uses helicopters in many aspects of our work, including vital fire suppression and hazard reduction activities, pest management, wildlife surveys, observation and construction projects.

“Helicopter winch training sessions like this one are held across the state to ensure staff are safe, skilled and ready.

“Having the training at Wentworth has ensured local staff can learn these vital skills close to home, which means less travel time and more time for carrying out other important conservation work.”

Other agencies to make use of the facility since its upgrade have included The Royal Flying Doctors Service, Australian Medical Assistance Teams and the Lower Western Zone Rural Fire Service.

Applications for West Darling Arts’ Country Arts Support Program (CASP) Grants are open.   

Overview 

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and managed by Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs). It has the following objectives: 

• grow creative leadership and programming excellence in NSW 
• strengthen NSW arts and cultural activity that drives community and social benefits 
• showcase NSW as a leader for strategic arts and cultural governance and strong financial management. 

Project Types 

What will be funded? 

CASP grants may be used to support a range of arts and cultural activities. Examples of projects that may be funded include, but are not limited to:  

• development of new works; 
• workshops (funds should primarily support artist/tutor fees and/or materials); 
• events (eg. Concerts, performances); 
• community arts projects; 
• purchase of equipment and/or materials related to your creative practice, for example: 
• a professional musician/artist looking to upgrade an instrument or technical equipment; 
• an organisation/group looking to upgrade or purchase equipment such as a kiln or printing press. 

Who can apply?  
You can apply in the following categories: 

• Individual 
• Collectives 
• Incorporated Groups 
• Local Governments 
• Not-for-profit Organisation 

If you require assistance with the guidelines or completing the application form, please contact us between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday: 

• Telephone: (08) 8087 9035 or 0487 903 507 
• Email: rado@westdarlingarts.com.au 

Apply now 

To apply for funding, you will need to complete and submit the relevant application form through our secure online grants system, SmartyGrants. 

Timing 

Applications close: Monday 23 May, 2022 

Projects are to be completed between 1 July and 31 December 2022. 

Funding Available 

Funding of up to $500 (Individuals) and $5,000 (Groups/Collectives/Organisations*) is available to support the development of arts and cultural activities in Far West NSW. 

*Unincorporated groups or collectives will be required to have a Nominated Funds Supervisor/Auspice. 

Funding is not available for: 

Activities or projects that are not directly related to the Arts, or that do not demonstrate benefit to the Far West community. This includes: 

• individuals who cannot demonstrate an established practice; 
• fees toward education or courses; 
• project staffing costs (for organisations); 
• recovering the costs of items and/or materials already purchased; 
• fundraising, awards or prize money. 

Eligibility 

CASP grants support creative activities in Far West NSW.  To be eligible for a West Darling Arts’ CASP grant, you need to meet the following criteria: 

1. Be a resident or organisation located in Far West NSW, within one of the following municipalities: 

• Broken Hill City Council 
• Central Darling Shire 
• Wentworth Shire 
• Far West Unincorporated Region 

2. Have an ABN, OR have a demonstrated relationship with a Nominated Funds Supervisor that can auspice grant funds. 
    
3. Project Focus 
   Your project/activity must be a clearly defined arts and cultural project/activity. 

Who will assess my application? 

Applications will be assessed by a panel of local arts professionals, and representatives from West Darling Arts.  
How will my application be assessed? 

Applications will be assessed on their merit and positive impact on the creative development of the Far West community.  

Your application should show us how it meets the following criteria: 

1. Merit 
   The artistic reason for your project, including: 

• What is your project/activity about? 
• Who is involved and why? 
• How have you prepared for it? 
• The reason for doing the project/activity. 
• The professionalism and/or experience of the people involved.  

2. Impact (Benefit) 
   Explain how the project/activity will benefit you and/or the community/ies involved in the project/activity. 
3. Viability 
   Include your project plan, timeline and budget to show how you will effectively manage and use resources to do the project/activity.  

Supporting Material 

Your application will require letters of support or referees that demonstrate partnerships or an identified need for the project/activity within the chosen community/ies. 

When will I know the outcome of my application? 

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications approximately 3-4 weeks after they submit their application. 

What is a Nominated Funds Supervisor? 

A Nominated Funds Supervisor is an administrative body/third party that can receive and administer funds on your behalf if you or your group/collective do not have an ABN.   

You may be asked for a fee for this service and it is recommended that you include that fee in your project budget. 

Further Information 

For further information on how to apply, or to discuss the eligibility of your project/activity, please contact Cathy Farry between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday: 

• Telephone: (08) 8087 9035 or 0487 903 507 

Email: rado@westdarlingarts.com.au