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Joint initiative to distribute community funding

The City of Penrith has joined with the State Government and local entertainment venue Panthers to allocate funds from gambling profits to community initiatives.

The money is part of the community levy distributed by registered clubs that have poker machine turnovers in excess of $1 million per annum.

The idea for a combined approach to sharing the funds makes logical use of the knowledge and skills of Council's Department of Community Services (DOCS) staff in identifying community needs and Panthers' desire to have funds allocated where they would bring most benefit.

"Panthers have always donated money to the community and supported some very worthwhile projects," Penrith Mayor John Bateman said. "As Mayor of the City and a Director of Panthers, I saw there were skills among staff at Council which could be used to ensure this money was distributed in the fairest way to projects which would bring most benefit to the community."

A panel of representatives from the three organisations and two community delegates nominated by the New South Wales Council of Social Services, will assess the applications and allocate money according to priority needs.

NSW Minister for Community Services Faye Lo Po complimented Council and Panthers on the initiative. She said it is both sensible and practical. The initial allocation will be targeted to community welfare, community development, social services and employment assistance activities.

For further information contact Amanda Kane, Public Relations Officer telephone (02) 4732 7777

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