Published on Tuesday, 26 May 2020 at 12:00:00 AM
Tourism, hospitality and beauty service providers and community groups and associations are amongst the initial recipients of the Shire of Ashburton’s COVID-19 relief grants.
Comprising of a mix of in-kind support and financial contributions, close to $350,000 has been approved under the relief package made available to local businesses and groups who were required to shut in the midst of the health pandemic.
Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White was pleased local businesses and groups were availing of the support made available by Council and in partnership with Rio Tinto.
“The first round of assessments have been completed and support is being provided to a host of local businesses and community groups who demonstrated hardship and/or losses due to the restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19”, said Councillor White.
“All submissions that were presented have had some form of relief made available to them including rent reductions, waiving of hire fees and bad debts and a cash component that can be used to clear overhead and operating costs.
“Applications can still be submitted through an expression of interest can be completed on the Shire of Ashburton website.
“A second round of submissions will be considered later this month.”
Earlier this year the Shire of Ashburton established a COVID-19 Small Business and Community Grants Fund of $250,000 in addition to a COVID-19 Support and Relief Reserve of $250,000, which has received a further $1million contribution from community partners Rio Tinto to provide an assistance option for small businesses, retail outlets, tourism providers and essential community services that may not fall under or be eligible for Federal and State government financial support.
Paraburdoo Operations general manager Kent Franey said Rio Tinto has a long history in the Pilbara, and together with our long-term partners the Shire of Ashburton, we are proud to play our part supporting our host communities as they respond to and recover from the impact of this pandemic.
“Small businesses, community organisations and community groups are the heart of our local communities,” he said. “The Shire’s extensive relief package will greatly assist reactivation of community clubs and groups and local economic resilience.”
Those included in this first wave of support include:
- Amy’s Hair Addiction
- Cheela Plains Station Stay
- Emerald Beaute
- From Dust Creative Arts
- Kader Boot Co
- Kalinda Gifts and Toys
- Mountain View Sporting Club Incorporated
- Onslow Rodeo Association
- Onslow Sports Club
- Paraburdoo's Table & Para Drome Supplies Store
- The Flying Sandgroper AT & T
- The Nintirri Centre Inc.
- The Pilbara gaming hub
- The SKG Unit Trust
- The Vault Paraburdoo
- Tom Price Needle, Sewing and Quilting Club
- Tom Price Tourist Park
Stay up to date on our website, and through Facebook by following both Shire of Ashburton page and Ashburton Community COVID-19 Info page.
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton
M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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