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OrdinarySupplementary Agenda 20 February 2015
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OrdinarySupplementary Agenda 20 February 2015
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Council 25 February 2015
In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, this section of the agenda will be chaired by Cr Mawhinney
S.1 Applications
for Financial Assistance: Section 356
Exception from the General Manager - Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste Inc............................................................................................................................. 4
Council |
25 February 2015 |
In accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice (2011), this section of the agenda will be chaired by Cr Mawhinney.
S.1 Applications
for Financial Assistance: Section 356
Exception from the General Manager - Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste Inc........................................................................................................ 4
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Council 25 February 2015 |
Item S.1 |
S.1. Applications
for Financial Assistance: Section 356
Exception from the General Manager - Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste Inc
An Application for Financial Assistance has been submitted by Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste Incorporated.
General Manager
Background
Three applications for the Community Partnership Fund for the third quarter of 2014/2015 have been received.
The 2 applications as follows meet the criteria of Section 356 Community Partnership Fund:
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Applicant |
Request |
Amount |
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Australian Light Horse Association – 7th Light Horse Bemboka Troop |
Equip troop with uniform and saddlery for use at Anzac centenary marches throughout the Shire |
$3,000.00 |
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Sapphire Coast Anglican College |
Contribution towards the resurfacing of the rear access road of the College |
$2,000.00 |
These have been reported to Council separately for resolution.
In addition to the applications above, an exception was made by the General Manager to accept an application for Council’s consideration, which is outside the criteria of Section 356 Community Partnership Fund guidelines:
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Applicant |
Request |
Amount |
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Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste Inc |
Support for cultural events, maths/literacy/sport competitions, material for feminine hygiene kits and professional development for teachers as part of its established programs in Natarbura, Timor-Leste. |
$4,000.00 |
To be eligible for funding under the Section 356 Community Partnership Fund, the community group or organisation must meet the following criteria:
“Establish / improve infrastructure/facilities on community land or Contribute to Community Events that generate specific economic/community benefit”
Whilst not explicitly stated, it is presumed that this benefit or improvement should be within the Shire.
As the request from the Advocates is purely only for benefit and improvements off shore, it does not meet the criteria of Section 356 Community Partnership Fund.
The General Manager made an exception to accept the application from this organisation; however the application would not have the advantage of being assessed by an internal panel of staff, and would be reported directly to Council.
Justification for the exception is that Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste have strong links to the Bega Valley Community having been established and active in the community for more than ten years. This link is further recognised through a Friendship Agreement (see attached) signed by a past Mayor on behalf of Council and the District Administrator and Sub District Administrators’ at the time from Barique/Natarbora in 2004. Whilst the Agreement does not commit either party to specific actions it does recognise the “…desire of Australians to contribute to the rebuilding of Timor Leste…” and “…that all initiatives undertaken under the friendship relationship will aim to build capacity and advance and promote the self-sufficiency of the people of Barique/Natarbora.” The 356 application meets this intent.
In addition, this close relationship is acknowledged annually with the Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste presenting to Council their Annual Report of activities and undertaking a flag raising ceremony celebrating Timor Leste independence.
Issues
Legal
The allocation of funds requested are able to be distributed in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Policy
The administration and allocation of funds are provided in line with Councils Policy 5.15 Requests for Assistance and Councils Procedure 5.15.1 Applications for Financial Assistance – Section 356.
Strategic
By providing support to individuals and organisations to achieve outcomes for the local community, Council is working towards achieving the objectives of the adopted Community Strategic Plan.
The allocation of funds also supports the continued commitment to the Friendship Agreement between Barique/Natarbora and the Bega Valley.
Financial
The table below shows the opening balance of the budget item as of 3 December 2014, and details the expenditure between 3 December 2014 and 11 February 2015.
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Funding source – Governance and Executive – operating costs - donations |
Amount |
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Balance as at 3/12/14 |
$ |
104,224.80 |
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Less Resolution of Council 3/12/14 Item 12.2 Successful Applicants 30/8/14-10/11/14 |
$ |
-11,000.00 |
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Less Already Committed Funds 11/11/14-11/2/15 |
$ |
-0.00 |
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Less General Manager Approvals 11/11/14- 11/2/15(<$1500.00) |
$ |
-7,219.95 |
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Available Balance (not including current applications detailed in confidential attachment) |
$ |
86,004.85 |
The funds available to date are $86,004.85.
This amount will be reduced appropriately to reflect the resolution of Council for this agenda item.
Conclusion
Although this application would not ordinarily be considered under Section 356 Community Partnership Fund given the unique relationship Council has with this group and the Barique/Natarbora area of Timor Leste through the Friendship Agreement, officers believe it is appropriate for Council to continue to provide financial assistance to support positive community outcomes.
Attachments
1. The Friendship Agreement between Timor Leste and Bega Valley Shire Council dated October 2004
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1. That Council support Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste Incorporated to the value of $4000.00. 2. That the funds be drawn from the Section 356 operating budget.
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