Groups such as Rotary Clubs, community working bees, playgroups, and Parents and Citizens Associations are all valuable assets to our area - and they deserve for their work to be acknowledged and supported.

Unfortunately, like most things, funding can be the biggest restriction to expansion.

Before my political life I worked for a number of not-for-profit organisations and so I understand the obstacles when it comes funding.

The good news is there are great opportunities out there to support local ideas.

Grants are often available to fund projects that help enhance or expand grassroots programs, but sometimes finding the information can be hard and finding it all in one place is almost impossible.

That's a problem that I've decided to try and fix. As a commitment to the electorate, I have a team member in my office that is dedicated to finding grants that would benefit our community.

As part of this role, we send out a month Grants Gazette - an e-newsletter with information about upcoming grants and opportunities from the Commonwealth government, state government and private sector.

The following are some of the features of this month's e-newsletter:

Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants Program provides funding to regional show societies for the maintenance and upgrade of existing infrastructure and the building, purchase, rent or construction of new infrastructure related to the running of an agricultural show on regional showgrounds.

NDIA Community Inclusion and Capacity Development Grants are open for organisations that support employers to enhance their knowledge and capabilities to employ people with disability, and increase participation of people with a disability in the arts, sports and cultural activities.

Local Sporting Champions grants provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 18 participating in state, national or international championships. Recipients may be eligible for up to $750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Keys2drive is a revolutionary approach to learning road safety and the free driving lesson is an opportunity for the learner driver, driving instructor and parent/supervisor to learn it together.

If you're involved with a community group or not-for-profit organisation, you can sign up to receive this email on my website by going to: www.merylswanson.com.au/get-involved/meryls-monthly-grants-newsletter/.

My office can be contacted on (02) 4983 2401 or via merylswanson.com.au.