The New England Conservatorium of Music will use the funding to again host "New England Sings", the largest choral performance of its kind in regional Australia.

This year more than 900 students from all schools in the region join forces with a full-sized student orchestra to celebrate music-making.

The #GreaterArmidale community funding program has now provided $70,000 to local charity groups and will continue to provide $5000 per month to other worthy groups, as voted by the general public.

Runners-up this month were Armidale Rams Rugby League Club and Challenge Community Services, who each receive $1000 to support their respective programs.

Members of the Armidale community are encouraged to vote each month by going online at greater.com.au/greaterarmidale, or by dropping into the Greater Bank’s Armidale branch.

Voting for the next grant round opens on 30 October 2017. Martins Gully Pony Club, Dumaresq Rural Fire Brigade and New England Junior Nomads 17s AFL team will each vie for the cash grants. Voting closes at 5:00pm, on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Greater Bank Armidale Acting Branch Manager, Shannan Feneley, said they are still seeking nominations from community groups to be considered for future funding rounds.

“This is such a wonderful program to be part of knowing we are supporting groups that are making a real difference to the Armidale community,” Shannan said.

“We have supported 39 community groups to date and we know there are many more out there doing great things that could do with financial support. If you are involved in, or know of a community organisation or charity, that is doing great things in Armidale, let us know about them.” 

To find out how to nominate a community group, go to greater.com.au/greaterarmidale. Nominations can be made via social media using the hashtag #GreaterArmidale, telling us in 100 words or less how the organisation is helping to improve lives of locals.

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