AlburyCity recognises the contribution of community groups, organisations and clubs, through their projects or initiatives, in enhancing the social, cultural, and environmental experience for people in Albury Local Government Area (LGA).

We regularly make financial and in-kind contributions to groups, organisations, and individuals. AlburyCity’s Financial Assistance Policy allows for the provision of funding, expertise and support to local organisations by ensuring that:

  • Financial assistance provided to community is fair and equitable.
  • Desired outcomes of financial assistance are clear, monitored and evaluated.
  • Recipients of financial assistance understand their role and obligations.
  • Applicants understand the information that will be required.
  • A clear process is provided to community.
  • Council fulfils its legislative requirements under the Local Government Act 1993.

Through community consultation and feedback, AlburyCity aims to get an understanding of how to better provide funding in an efficient, transparent and equitable way, and to meet the needs of community individuals and groups in need of financial assistance.

You can read about these issues and have your say in a number of ways:

AlburyCity regularly makes financial and in-kind contributions to groups, organisations and individuals. These financial contributions are an important part of Council’s strategy for meeting the needs identified in the Community Strategic Plan, other Council strategic plans for meeting its access and equity obligations.

Council is accountable to the community for the management and disbursement of its funds. This is done in a manner that maximises the benefits to the community and is transparent, fair and equitable.

The policy applies to the following:

  • The AlburyCity Community Fund is an annual funding program for significant community capital assets or improvements. The applicant must meet specified criteria. The funding may be through a grant or an interest free loan (subject to a contract) or a combination of both.
  • A donation is any financial assistance or in-kind support that is provided by Council to any individual, group or organisation to support a service, program or initiative that is likely to benefit the community
  • Direct financial contributions provided by Council to a group, organisation or individual through Council’s Community and Cultural Grant Program and Sports Albury Grants
  • Reducing or waiving fees as per the Fees and Charges schedule to subsidise community activities and public interest outcomes
  • Financial Assistance provided through the Mayor’s annual Donation Fund and the Events sponsorship budget
  • Any economic development support provided by the Council through the Economic Development Incentive Program, Shopfront Improvement Program or Albury Business Support Program
  • Ongoing funding provided to community facilities and programs via a Service Level Agreement
  • Financial Assistance provided to community groups to achieve environmental objectives through the Community Energy Fund, the Community Sustainability Rebate or the Land Management Incentive Program
  • Support for people undertaking valuable learning and development to the area through scholarships and grants

The policy itself has some clear objectives about what is to be achieved, and we are seeking community feedback about the achievement of those objectives:

  • Do you know where to find out more information about financial assistance from AlburyCity?
  • Have you ever applied for financial assistance? If yes, did you understand what was needed to lodge a strong application? If no, then is there anything Council could do to encourage you to apply next time?
  • Is the process fair and transparent? Why or why not?
  • Do you think the funding is going to the right place? Why or why not?

As a resident or ratepayer you are invited to have your say in a number of ways:

  • Understand - download and read the information pack on the Have your Say website
  • Respond - take the survey on the Have your Say website to express your views
  • Attend - come to a public meeting at the Albury Community Centre:
    • Tuesday 21st February 10am
    • Tuesday 21st February 6pm
  • Register – on the Have your Say website for an online meeting on 28th February at either 10am or 6pm
  • Write - send your ideas and feedback to FAP Review, PO Box 323 Albury NSW 2640 or info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au by Friday 3rd March.

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand these issues. We invite you to express your views during this time to inform our decision.