AFTER 14 years of operation, the Shoalhaven Area Consultative Committee (SACC) will close next month.
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The Federal Government funded 54 area consultative committees around Australia to act as links between business and community groups and
government bodies.
One of the main functions of the SACC has been to gain government grants for those groups.
During the 14 years the personalities behind SACC, Milton Lay and Alan Mulley, have been involved in funding applications from $9000 up to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s $3 million grant.
“I think we’ve been privileged to have been around that long and work with business and the community in achieving what we have over 14 years,” Mr Lay said.
“We’ve had quite an impact on youth development and with the indigenous community in regard to employment and training. We’ve also had quite a focus on the development of young people in volunteering and working closely with the high schools on a number of initiatives,” he said.
“It’s really been a privilege to do that.”
Mr Lay said one of the great things about area consultative committees was that they were able to be the conduit between local community and the government in gaining funds for local projects.
“Nearly every project and a lot of the activities involved Shoalhaven City Council. They were the common thread providing a service and were a real resource. Many of the activities would not have happened without council’s support,” he said.
Mr Lay said with no more Federal funding after June 30 the SACC had no option but to close.
“You can’t stay around if you don’t have adequate funding to do things.”
However the Federal Government is establishing a new network to be known as Regional Development Australia, which is expected to be up and running in July.
“We don’t have a lot of information on that at the moment but we’re hoping to have a role in the future,” he said.
An outstanding list of achievements
•1996: four projects approved at $18,980.
•2001-2005: seven projects approved worth more than $1 million.
•1997-2005: 39 projects approved worth more than $2.5 million.
•2005-2009: 32 projects approved with more than $6 million.
•2007: Fishing Community Assistance program to
projects worth $1.5 millon.
•2000-2008: Year 12 indigenous graduation, 200
students recognised.
•2008: Shoalhaven Kokoda Experience 38 people undertook training and trek.
•2008-2009: Indigenous Employment Expo, more than 700 students and jobseekers attended.
