Camden has been successful in obtaining grants for the Saving our Species (SoS) and Open Streets Program from the NSW Government, both initiatives with a commitment to keep Camden flourishing.

SoS, an NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) conservation program, aims to maximise the number of threatened species that can survive securely in the wild in NSW. The program is designed to develop partnerships with organisations and researchers to align conservation work.

The SoS program will provide $12,500 to facilitate the continuation of conservation works, primarily including the continuation of weed control and the removal of rubbish on Council-owned land.

The Open Streets Program is a commitment to transform NSW Government streets into thriving local spaces that support businesses, creatives and the overall community. Council was successful in obtaining $140,000, which will be contributed to enhancing Camden’s annual Christmas Festival - increasing the event duration, number of free activities, expand performance areas and involve arts and cultural spaces along John Street connecting the event to the Alan Baker Art Gallery and Camden Library.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, thanked the supporting bodies for their recognition of Camden’s initiatives.

“We greatly appreciate NSW Government’s support in these initiatives,” she said.

“The funding allows Camden to expand upon our already successful programs and to ensure they prosper and maintain their place within the community.”