The club held its ClubGRANTS presentation night on Wednesday, with Lifeline Central West the major benefactor, receiving $25,000.

Executive director Alex Ferguson said the annual grant covered its rent bill. 

“ClubGRANTS has been an absolute rock over the years and we’re very grateful,” he said.

Orange District Early Education Program (ODEEP) received $2750, which manager Kylie Streatfeild said would be spent on staff training in communication techniques and helping children identify their emotions. 

“It helps them with emotional control,” she said.

Bowen Residents Action Group received $1200, which member Ron Gander said would be used to cover day-to-day operations at the Carriage Cottage. 

“We don’t receive any government funding at all, only from this and people like Cadia Valley Operations – that’s the only way we survive,” he said. 

Road Safety Education received $3500 for its RYDA program at Towac Park, which director Greg Rappo said would make “a significant difference” in protecting young drivers against injury on the road.  

“This education doesn’t come from driving lessons or the classroom,” he said. 

Orange Ex-Services’ Club president Graham Gentles said the club wanted to support Housing Plus’s domestic violence shelter through to smaller groups.

“We’ve ensured to spread our reach as far as possible, in order to support as many residents as we can,” he said.

Abbeyfield Society $1000, Bowen Residents Action Group $1200, Central West Brain Injury Action Group $3500, Central West Vision Support $1473, Epilepsy Support Central West $3000, Glenroi Community Group $1500, Housing Plus $5000, Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Benevolent Fund $4000, Life Education $2000, Lifeline Central West $25,000, Orange & District Early Education Program $2750, Orange City Council $8792, Orange Culture Hub $1000, Orange Legacy $5000, Orange RSL Sub-Branch $3000, Orange Senior Citizens Association $4500, Orange Woodworkers Association $1000, Road Safety Education $3500, Veritas House $3300, Western Region Academy of Sport $1500.

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