Torres Strait Kaziw Meta is encouraging other Cape and Torres Strait organisations to apply for the NAB Foundation Community Grants program, which helped them secure a PA system for resident safety. Photo: Supplied.
A grant that is helping a Torres Strait boarding house ensure the safety of boarders and staff in case of a natural disaster is up for grabs now until the end of the month.
Grants of up to $25,000 to support community-led projects that help prepare for or recover from natural disasters are available through the NAB Foundation Community Grants program, with applications open until 30 September.
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta (TSKM) was a successful recipient of this year’s first round, with the grant facilitating the purchase of a PA system to efficiently communicate with residents in case of an emergency.
“If there’s ever a natural disaster here, we’re pretty ill-prepared in terms of notifications and immediate announcements to all of our boarders and staff who live onsite,” TSKM chief executive officer Thomas Dunsmore said.
“We have about 85 people living onsite, so just the ability to announce whatever disaster may come and organise a lot of people quickly, there was a need for that.”
With many infrastructure and asset challenges, Mr Dunsmore he said TSKM had extensive experience in applying for grants, and that the NAB Foundation had one of the simplest processes.
“They actually understand what we’re doing, and they help us fulfil what we need; I think there’s a lot of trust involved as well, which is really helpful from an organisation like that,” he said.
NAB retail executive Paul Carter said the grants continued to play a vital role in helping communities withstand and recover from natural disasters.
“These grants are about helping communities with the resources they need to prepare, respond and rebuild – we’re proud to stand behind them,” he said.
To apply for a grant, visit the NAB website and search for “community grants”.
