The panel consisted of the chairs of our three local representative committees, our Department of Premier and Cabinet Regional Coordinator and our Local State Representatives from the Goulburn and Cootamundra electorates.

As a result of the panel meeting, I now expect to ratify recommendations of the panel for funding at the Council meeting to be held 23 November 2016.

Although there will be some community organisations that may be disappointed with the outcomes of the assessment, I also expect there will be a number of very excited organisations that will be able to deliver major positive outcomes to the community.

One thing that has become obvious through the stronger communities’ grants program is that we have a highly engaged community that are focused on identifying ways to improve our community.

Of the projects that do miss out on funding through the Stronger Communities Grants program there are a number that Council will work with, particularly applications relating to crown land, to try and secure alternate funding to deliver the projects.

Once the decision on successful applicants is ratified, Council will contact all applicants to advise them of the outcome and explain the next steps in the grant program.

I am very pleased that we have now reached the stage where the community will be able to observe noticeable benefits because of the grants program and I look forward to being able to make the announcements.

Wendy Tuckerman is administrator of Hilltops Council, the amalgamated Council of the former Young, Harden and Boorowa Shire Councils.