FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has congratulated two community organisations in Armidale and Tenterfield which are recipients of grants totalling more than $13,000 from Australia Post’s Our Neighbourhood program.

Mr Joyce said the program was established by Australia Post in 2013 to recognise and reward community organisations that are including, involving and connecting people in their local communities.

He said the Armidale and District Chamber of Commerce will receive $6,700 towards the quarterly ‘Welcome to Armidale’ events which are aimed at welcoming new residents into the community.

Also receiving a grant of $6,336 is the Tenterfield Care Centre which will contribute towards a digital inclusion program for the elderly community in Tenterfield.

Mr Joyce said the grants program is an important boost to community groups, helping them to spread their message and playing a role to help build healthier, more vibrant and inclusive communities.

He said unsuccessful grant applicants will receive a complimentary Strategic Grants webinar to provide feedback and advice on how to develop grant-ready project plans to improve their chances of future grant application success.