The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $85 million Building the Country initiative to help small communities in rural and remote NSW to supplement or establish an internet website promoting their town and tourism attractions.

“Grants of up to $5000 from round three of the Small Communities Awareness Fund have been awarded to help communities put their town or village, on the map,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The money will enable a website to be established with technical assistance and software to promote the best things about the region, including tourism attractions and investment opportunities and even as a unique holiday destination.

“These communities are the lifeblood of regional NSW and it’s important that people are encouraged to look a little further than their own backyards.”

The Small Communities Awareness Fund has already provided funding for 39 applicants during round one and two of the program.

Communities to benefit in round three of the Small Communities Awareness Fund are: Menindee, Scone, Coolaman, Pilliga, Canowindra, Tintenbar, Sunset Strip, Tilpa, Cooma, Gwabegar, Newrybar, Condobolin, Moruya, Tingha, Booligal, Gresford, Rosebank, Callala Beach, Ivanhoe, Barham, Moree.

“Past successful applicants have included Dunedoo and its bush poetry festival website at www.dunedoo.org.au and the Long Paddock River Walk in Deniliquin whose website is showcased at www.denitourism.com.au,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“You can also find out the local history of Bowraville and the significance behind many of the landmark buildings in town at www.bowraville.nsw.au.

“The Small Communities Awareness Fund is a fantastic initiative which provides a direct tool to showcase our country towns and villages to the rest of Australia and the world.”