SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Businesses, charities and cultural groups in Australia's New South Wales capital Sydney are to receive millions of Australian dollars in funding from an ambitious grants program announced on Monday.
City of Sydney councillors approved more than 6.2 million Australian dollars (about 4.3 million U.S. dollars) in cash grants, and goods and services to ensure charitable, cultural and environmental programs flourish as the Australian largest city continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said on Tuesday that 156 projects, ranging from support for vulnerable community members to local music and food festivals, as well as major events and business expos, were earmarked for support throughout the next three years.
She said the council had also created dedicated grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse peoples.
"We are ensuring there are no barriers to accessing the city's support and ensuring our grants go where they're most needed," she said.
Funds are also being allocated to artistic projects such as a mural to honor the achievements of local Aboriginal elders who have passed on.
Other funds will go to help live music venues which were among some of the hardest-hit sectors throughout the past few years of extended lockdowns.
The funding announcement has been well-received by small business operators such as Smile Marketing owner Alex Gibbs, who is also president of an inner-city chamber of commerce.
Gibbs said the money would help the chamber "focus and support the growth and recovery of the visitors' economy in our local business precinct."
Moore, a long-time advocate of making the city environmentally friendly, has also ensured "green" groups will be looked after.
Among the projects to be green-lit is a project that would ultimately help the city's iconic Opera House to better manage its carbon output.
"We are backing the community groups that provide vital services, helping local businesses recover and grow and breathing new life into Sydney's cultural and night-time economy," Moore said.
"There is energy and excitement and so much to look forward to in the city." ■