Kiama High School Band will take home a major share of the $1,500 grant. As finalists, Riding for the Disabled Illawarra Centre and CWA Kiama Evening Branch also received a portion of the grant money.

Since November, local Kiama Village shoppers have shown their support for the finalists, with the Kiama High School Band receiving the highest number of votes to win the majority share of the prize pool.

Kiama High School Band’s Louise Luke said that the grant will allow them to continue fuelling students' passion for music.

“We are extremely grateful to win the ‘Thoughts That Count’ grant money which will go into our fundraising pool to be distributed evenly amongst all band members to assist in funding their musical tour,” she said. 

Kiama Village’s Marketing Manager, Melissa Chisnall said the centre was delighted to give back to groups in their community.

“These deserving community groups put incredible amounts of time and effort into helping the community, each in their own way and with an equally important role to play,” she said.

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of votes that were tallied, with the whole community rallying to show their support for them.

“Riding for the Disabled Illawarra Centre and CWA Kiama Evening Branch haven’t missed out either, each being awarded a portion of the grant to allow them to continue servicing the local community through the exceptional work that they do.”

The Thoughts That Count community grant program runs nationally and gives away thousands of dollars to recognise the important role community groups, sporting groups and charities play in the community.

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