The Rhinos topped the voting in Zone 2, and will receive a $2500 grant.
Rhinos secretary Brad Todd said the funds will mostly support the club’s junior development programs.
‘‘The grant allows us to be able to limit the costs of running our programs and get some much needed training equipment,’’ he said.
‘‘We’d like to thank Essential Energy for providing grant funding for local not for profit groups.
‘‘Most grants from large companies only allow registered charities to apply in most cases, so we are grateful small not for profits like ours can get access to other grant funding.
‘‘Getting grants like this is very important in the current climate. Any money that helps the club provide the best equipment and facilities for our players while at the same time minimising costs as much as possible is greatly appreciated.
‘‘Our local sponsors have been fantastic with their support of the Rhinos over the past five or so years, so this will help build on what they have allowed us to do for our players and club volunteers since the club was formed.’’
The Rhinos were clear cut winners in public vote, polling a whopping 1384.
This saw the club finish 584 votes ahead of Balranald Early Learning Centre, which had the second most amount of votes.
‘‘It’s great that we received good support over the voting period,’’ Todd said.
‘‘As you were able to vote once each day, a lot of people obviously voted consistently for us over the 14 days. We’d like to give a big thanks to those that did vote, and also those that shared the voting process for us via various social media platforms and word of mouth.’’
Other grant recipients were:
● Balranald Early Learning Centre – $2,000 to upgrade existing softball and playground equipment.
● Leeton Rescue Squad – $1,500 to purchase battery-operated rescue tools.
● The Scout Association of Australia – $1,000 to purchase additional tents and camping stoves.
● Moulamein Retirement Village – $900 to upgrade of garden beds, vegetable gardens and complete a dedicated sensory area.
● Cypress View Lodge – $600 to purchase activity items for residents.
● Hillston Creative Arts Council – $500 for the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the heritage building.
● Griffith Meals on Wheels – $500 to purchase staple items such as long life milk, tea, coffee and more. Essential Energy Funding will also contribute to the upgrade of refrigeration and freezers.
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