Barwon - CBP 2026

Community Building Partnership (CBP) 2026 Grant Program - Barwon 

Welcome to the CBP 2026 Program for the Electoral District of Barwon. This program provides an opportunity for local community organisations and councils to strengthen the wellbeing of NSW communities through small local infrastructure projects.

The local Member of Parliament (MP) has prepared the below summary of the electoral district priorities to provide guidance to applicants considering lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) for CBP funding in the electoral district of Barwon. 

Electoral District Priorities 

Barwon is the largest electorate in NSW by more than 3 times. (Barwon 356,000 km2 and Murray 107,000km2)

Barwon has over 150 communities and localities, around 100 of these are towns. There are 13 Local Government Areas, and the Unincorporated area that is some 93,000km2. The unincorporated area contains towns and localities like Silverton, Tibooburra, Milparinka and Packsaddle, but there is no local Government that covers these areas.

The 13 Barwon Councils have duplication of assets (Pools, sports fields, parks etc.) massive areas to cover, limited opportunities for revenue, and often a very limited rate base. This means Barwon Councils are often also applicants for CBP funds. This creates an equity issue with CBP. The multiplier effect means that each of these towns have sporting clubs, progress associations, business chambers, CWA, Rotary, Lions etc.

Because of the sheer number of applicants, the money provided ($300k - $450k) must be spread much thinner in so many communities. Compared to a metropolitan electorate where there might be 1-2 Local Government Areas, high population density and fewer entities that apply for CBP Grants. Essentially, a person in Barwon and other regional areas do not have the same access to these public funds as someone in a metropolitan area. The funding “pie” must be split in too many directions for it to be equitable. CBP has been a great program, and one that is needed to ensure these small groups out west get the opportunity to apply and hopefully receive funding. But rural seats need to be funded differently.

Barwon has many CBP applicants that are volunteers trying to help out their club or group. CBP has always been a way of getting Grant funds to applicants that may not otherwise be eligible or don’t have the ability to go through a more demanding application process.

• Projects that enhance local or community infrastructure or facilities
• projects that help communities remain liveable and attract or retain residents.
• Projects that grow local economies- tourism, historical buildings, museums etc
• Projects that ensure regional youth have equitable access to opportunities
• Projects that reduce disadvantage and support vulnerable groups.
• Projects that strengthen cultural, social and community identity – upgrades to cultural precincts, gathering spaces, playgrounds, etc
• Climate and resilience – Projects that protect the environment and community assets.
• Emergency Services and Public Safety- upgrades to plant and equipment RFS, SES, CCTV
• Community equity and inclusion, accessibility upgrades to public buildings, sporting clubs, community groups

Electoral District Boundaries 

To verify your project location and ensure it falls within the electoral district Barwon, visit the Elections NSW website and use the 'Search by street address' function or ‘State Districts’ browse function:

https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/find-my-electorate

Need Help? 

The CBP Team at the Department of Communities and Justice is available to assist CBP 2026 applicants with general program queries.

Phone: (02) 8753 8144
Email: CBP2026@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Office hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday

We receive a high volume of calls and emails in the days leading up to the application deadline. If you need assistance, please contact us at least 24 hours before the deadline.