Finances dominated the table talk at last night’s Rangiora-Ashley Community Board meeting.

In preparation for the new financial year ahead, budgets were confirmed and general landscaping and discretionary grant funds were discussed.

For community or not-for-profit groups looking for a little help financially, Discretionary Grants are available to support local initiatives that benefit the wider community. This financial year there is $11,500 available, with the maximum grant per group being $500.

Receiving the first grant allocation from the refreshed budget was the Rangiora Festival Charitable Trust, receiving $500 towards the running costs of the Waimakariri Winter Festival. In its fourth year, this popular event promises to be another success, offering an exciting array of free entertainment from Sunday 21 July.

The R13 Youth Development Trust was also awarded $500 from the Discretionary Grants budget, to help with the running costs of various community youth programmes. The R13 Youth development Trust is a non-government agency supporting the most at risk young people in North Canterbury.

Community Board Chair Jim Gerard, says “We’re always eager to help local groups where we can as they offer so much to the wider community. The Board were very pleased to assist these two worthy recipients.”

Groups seeking funding through the Board’s Discretionary Grants Fund can visit the Council’s website to view criteria and make an application.

The Board's General Landscaping Budget has $24,860 set aside for the new year, allowing them to allocate funds towards beatification or improvement projects throughout the Rangiora-Ashley Ward.

The Rangiora-Ashley Community Board will next meet at 7pm on Tuesday 13 August 2019 in Cust at 9 Mill Road, Cust. All are welcome to attend.