From new student laptops to events to break the cycle of isolation for farmers and bringing the magic of Dolly Parton to Narromine are some of the initiatives being supported by the Inland Rail.
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The Narromine Dolly Parton festival is one of 19 initiatives to benefit from round three of the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program, receiving $3000 to the festival weekend.
The program has allocated more than $55,000 to help benefit schools, community groups and associations in regional communities in NSW, Queensland and Victoria where Inland Rail are working.
Inland Rail Director of Engagement, Environment and Property Rebecca Pickering said the project's success along the entire rail corridor has provided a well deserved funding boost to worthy initiatives that build community prosperity.
"Delivering Inland Rail is only possible in partnership with the communities in which we operate and supporting our communities' sustainability is paramount," Ms Pickering said.
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"A key commitment of Inland Rail is to leave a positive legacy along the rail corridor and the Community Sponsorships and Donations program is just one example of how we seek to ensure regional communities benefit from this unique project.
More than $180,000 has already been allocated in the first three rounds of the program to communities where they are working for a range of events, projects and activities.
"We congratulate successful recipients for this round which include sporting groups, schools, men's groups and Indigenous Cultural Groups," she said.
"Funded projects represent a diverse range of initiatives such as upgrading community facilities, skills building in the areas of STEM education and inclusive events."
Ms Pickering said there is another opportunity for groups to tap into the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program this month.
"The next round of funding applications for the program is now open and eligible groups can still apply for funding of between $1000 and $4000 for their project or service by January 31," she said.
"These grants are in addition to the support Australian Rail Track Corporation is providing to bushfire impacted communities which includes raising funds for the Bushfire Crisis Appeal and encouraging volunteering by employees."
Grant applications are invited from individuals and organisations in regional centres along the corridor, not Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, to ensure regional areas receive maximum benefit.
