A simple move into a new venue for monthly meetings has helped the Grafton Camera Club “go ahead in leaps and bounds”, according to president Michelle Thornton. Ms Thornton said club members had moved from venue to venue for their regular meetings before settling on the Grafton Community and Function Centre. “We have gained a number of new members who find the atmosphere great and are happy to stay back for a cuppa and a chat,” she said. “I would encourage any other community groups to make the most of this great venue.” The club was able to move to the function centre after making a successful application to the Clarence Valley Council’s Community Initiatives Program. Applications for round 2 of the 2015/16 program are now open, but the way people lodge an application for this round has changed significantly from previous years. People seeking support under the program will need to lodge applications via the SmartyGrants link on the council’s website www.clarence.nsw.gov.au Council’s community development team leader, Sarah Ford, said the move from paper application forms to the SmartyGrants application system would streamline the application and approval process. “We’re aware that not everyone is tech-savvy, so we’ll be holding workshops for not-for-profit organisations in Grafton and Yamba to help people with the process,” she said. “Although organisations can only apply once in the financial year to the Community Initiatives Program, everyone is welcome to attend the SmartyGrants workshops to learn about the new online application process. “The workshops will be fun and interactive and will help groups transition to the new system. Our community projects officer will also be available to offer ongoing support.” Applications close in December. SmartyGrants workshop will be held at Treelands Drive Community Centre, Yamba on Thursday, September 17 from 10-11:30am. Please bring a laptop if you have one. Morning tea will be provided. Bookings: email sammy.lovejoy@clarence.nsw.gov.au or phone 6643 0213.