Shire of Denmark releases $1 million community contributions register in commitment to “transparency”

To increase their financial transparency to the community, the Shire of Denmark has released a list of all groups that receive monetary assistance. The community contributions register, released as part of the 2024-25 annual budget adoption process, reveals the Shire distributes $997,667 to community groups and organisations. This is done through rate waivers, peppercorn leases, service agreements, community events and cash contributions. The Denmark Riverside Club received the highest sum with $101,750 going towards a peppercorn lease gross rental valuation followed by Denmark Chamber of Commerce with $95,000 going towards a visitor servicing agreement and Albany Youth Support Association getting $70,000 for youth outreach services. The smallest sums went to the Youth Leadership Award (annual contribution of $500), Peaceful Bay RSL (annual contribution of $1000 for community bus maintenance and running costs), and the Denmark Agricultural School Scholarship ($1500 annual contribution). Shire president Kingsley Gibson said the number invested might surprise the community and hopes the publication will help advertise the shire’s appreciation of its groups. “Historically, we haven’t done a great job of letting the community know just how invested we are in the future of the groups and organisations that make this place so vibrant and connected,” he said. “We’re hoping that with this new register, we can not only improve our transparency in line with community expectations but that we can also clearly show the level of our support for our community.” The register’s listings do not include the annual funding pool of $25,000 for the Shire’s Community Grants program. The Community Contributions Register 2024-25 is available on the shire’s website.