Shellharbour City Council has made it easier for community groups and organisations to access information about its donations and sponsorship programs by replacing its Community Donations and Sponsorship Policy with clear online guidelines.
The change follows a review of Council’s policy framework, which identified that a formal policy is not required. Instead, information about eligibility, application requirements and assessment processes will be available through dedicated guidelines on Council’s website.
Caption: Shellharbour City Council is streamlining its community sponsorships and donations process. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
Importantly, there is no change to Council’s donations and sponsorship programs. Community groups, organisations and individuals can continue to apply for funding opportunities through the usual process.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the change was about making information easier to access and maintain, while continuing to support local community groups.
“I want to reassure the community that there is no loss of donations or sponsorship funding as a result of this change, and the application process will continue as normal,” Mayor Homer said.
“This is simply a better way of providing information to the community. By publishing guidelines online, we can ensure applicants have easy access to the most up-to-date information whenever they need it.
“Community organisations will continue to be able to apply for support through Council’s donations and sponsorship programs, with the same commitment to transparency, fairness and accountability.”
The change forms part of Council’s ongoing review of its policy framework, aimed at reducing unnecessary policy documents while maintaining good governance and transparent decision-making.
Under the new approach, information about Council’s financial assistance opportunities is available in one place on Council’s website, with guidelines provided for the Donations Program, Sponsorship Program and Sports Assistance Program.
“Council regularly reviews its policies to ensure they remain necessary and effective. Where a formal policy is no longer required, we can simplify our processes and enhance the way information is provided to the community,” Mayor Homer said.
Community donations, sponsorship and sports assistance guidelines are available on Council’s website under Financial Assistance.
KEY MESSAGES:
- Council’s donations and sponsorship programs are continuing, with information now provided through clear online guidelines under Council’s Financial Assistance webpage rather than a formal Council policy.
- The change makes it easier for Council to keep application and assessment information up to date while maintaining transparency and accountability.
- Rescinding the policy is part of Council’s ongoing review of its policy framework to remove unnecessary policies where there is no legislative requirement to maintain them.
