Expressions of interest are sought from Dunsborough Community Groups for funding from the Leavers Community Appreciation Fund.  Following Leavers celebrations which occur in November, non-government and not for profit groups are invited to apply for funding for initiatives that benefit the Dunsborough community.

Two rounds of this funding are offered each year, the first in December and the second in March of the following year.  Round two of the Leavers Community Appreciation Fund from Leavers 2008 is now open. 

Ian Clarke, Officer in Charge, Dunsborough Police Station said, "The Dunsborough Community has already benefited significantly from the money set aside for the Appreciation Fund in the past two years.  This includes the fit out of the new clubrooms at the Dunsborough Sports Oval, the rescue mule at Yallingup Beach, the ambulance stretcher for Dunsborough St John Ambulance and the commemorative rose garden in the Dunsborough Cemetery.

The positive returns to the community, coupled with a more organised and positive approach to the Leavers period has allowed all involved to move towards a more harmonious end to November."

Applications for round two close on Friday 24 April 2009, with successful applicants notified by Friday 5 June 2009.  The guidelines and application form are available on the Shire website - http://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/ or by contacting Emma O'Brien, Community Development Officer on (08) 9781 0496.

The Fund has already allocated more than $90,000 to numerous local Dunsborough community groups which have included:

• Naturaliste Children's Community Centre - contribution to an outdoor makeover - $4,410
• Dunsborough Bay Yacht Club - Contribution to the boatshed and public toilets - $15,000
• Naturaliste Sports Club - fit out of the new clubrooms - $14,264
• Southern Rip - contribution to the underage live music events in Dunsborough - $8,724
• Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association - contribution to an ANZAC memorial - $15,000
• St John Ambulance Sub Centre - new stretcher - $10,790
• Yallingup Land and Conservation Committee - contribution to a four wheel drive buggy called a mule - $4,000
• Cemetery Garden Project - contribution to the Garden of Remembrance - $2,000
• Naturaliste Sports Club - contribution to a new canteen and meeting room - $16,000

The planning for Leavers 2009 is underway and the official Leavers dates have been set as 23 - 26 November 2009.

END.

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au