Singleton Community and Economic Development Fund
The CEDF was established by Singleton Council in partnership with The Bloomfield Group and Glencore in 2019 using proceeds from VPAs in a proactive approach to managing the impacts of mining by using the money to increase economic growth and productivity, as well as promote health and wellbeing for the people of the Singleton local government area.
The Fund is administered by the CEDF Joint Management Board comprising Council, The Bloomfield Group and Glencore representatives. Accordingly, the objectives of the Community Economic Development Fund are to assist in proactively using policy funds to increase economic growth and productivity and promote health and wellbeing for the communities of the Singleton LGA.
The broad principles of the Fund are to support the socio-economic future of Singleton by:
- Creating an environment that fosters and supports business, promotes job creation, supports entrepreneurship and diversifies our industry base.
- Providing education and training to create the foundations of a prosperous economy and community.
- Supporting and promoting activities that provide personal fulfilment for residents through arts and culture, encouraging personnel development and by creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Supporting and promoting sporting activities and events that provide physical development and pathways to excellence.
- Minimising the impacts of social issues such as homelessness and mental health issues.
- Improving infrastructure to a standard equal to or better than what is available in our cities.
- Promoting and supporting initiatives that preserves regional biodiversity, minimises waste, supports long-term community sustainability and minimises environmental impacts for future generations.
Round Three Beneficiaries
A total of $462,521 over three years was awarded under Round Three of the Singleton Community and Economic Development Fund, with a further $120,000 to be added to the total in 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, pending the successful outcomes of a pilot program approved for Business Singleton to help businesses expand and promote local shopping.
Successful recipients were announced in February 2024.
One-Year Projects
- Singleton Scouts - $26,925 for the installation of exterior security cameras and a battery pack for energy storage for recently installed solar panels at the Singleton Scout Hall.
- Singleton Museum - $16,000 for the installation of solar panels at the Museum, to enable reduced operating overheads and promote sustainable operations using alternative energy methods.
- Broke Residents Association - $80,000 for concept trail planning for the Broke to Bulga Discovery Trail.
- Singleton Lions Club - $18,596 - for the replacement of out of date and non-ergonomic equipment, including a trailer used by the Lions Club to raise funds for the Singleton LGA.
Multi-Year Projects
- Around Hermitage - $15,000 for three years to grow an annual three-day event for three years following the inaugural D’Vine Long Weekend in 2023, showcasing Around Hermitage Association members and stimulate the local economy.
- Business Singleton - $120,000 for a 12-month pilot program to support business growth in the Singleton LGA. The proposal will support business to business expansion and contribute to local custom through a range of campaigns. If the program demonstrates success, a further two years funding will be provided.
- Singleton Mountain Bike Club - $156,000 for the implementation of Stage 1 priority actions identified in the Masion Dieu Mountain Bike Track Strategic Plan.
Round Two Beneficiaries
A total of $526,333 was made available under the second round of the CEDF.
The full list of successful projects is:
1. Singleton Mountain Bike Club – project to purchase trailer, tools and equipment to maintain bike tracks
2. Singleton CWA – project to upgrade bathroom facilities at the CWA building
3. Singleton Neighbourhood Centre – project to conduct feasibility study to improve services and provide safe sleeping space
Round One Beneficiaries
A total of $526,333 was made available under the first round of the groundbreaking CEDF. Applications for the first round of funding were called in October 2021 and announced in February 2022.
The full list of successful projects is:
- Singleton Netball Association – lighting upgrade to courts 1- 6: $56,331
- Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association – business case for improved connectivity to the nbn: $50,000
- Singleton PCYC – BBQ trailer to support PCYC fundraising endeavours: $20,000
- Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter – sculpture seating for the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre: $14,200
- Youth Off the Streets – support services for youth program: $41,000
- Hunter Women’s Centre – domestic violence counselling services and prevention: $30,020
- Singleton Landcare – regeneration of PA Heuston lookout: $12,200
- Singleton Country Women’s Association – upgrade of kitchen amenities: $87,997
- On Track Hunter – youth education and employment program: $60,000 ($30,000 per year for two years)
- Singleton Heights Pre-School – food pantry project: $26,880 ($13,440 per year for two years)
- Broke Residents Association – Bulga to Broke discovery trail feasibility study: $50,000
- Singleton Triathlon Club – electronic timing device: $17,705
- Lifeline Hunter – establishment of crisis support hub for suicide prevention in Singleton: $60,000 ($30,000 per year for two years)