Murray-Darling Basin communities in the Parkes electorate are set to benefit from more than $8 million in grants under the third round of the Coalition Government’s Economic Development Program outlined in a media release today.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton today announced 16 local projects have been awarded a grant under the program, including West Darling Arts Inc for a Menindee Film Hub - $192,357.

West Darling Arts will employ filmmakers and researchers Dan Schulz and Otis Filley who have been working closely with the Menindee community for over 12 months as project leaders. These two filmmakers and researchers have close connections to the Menindee community and Menindee Central School students. These project leaders will faciliate the creation of media content; assisting Menindee community members to develop skills in film production, photography, website maintenance and social media marketing.