A grassroots community group says it is “disappointing” that Deputy Premier Paul Toole mistakenly announced its grant for the wrong group at a media event. Key points Paul Toole announced $200,000 in funding for a regional cancer accommodation Griffith council was announced as the recipient at a press conference A volunteer committee was confirmed as the actual recipients hours later The leader of the NSW Nationals visited Griffith today, where he said more than $200,000 had been approved for the Griffith City Council to develop a business case for an affordable accommodation centre for visiting cancer patients. Speaking at the press conference, Mayor Doug Curran welcomed the funding, saying it would provide surety to patients visiting the regional city for cancer treatment. But the council was not involved in the project at all and hadn’t applied for the grant. “I actually approached the general manager while the funding was being announced and said ‘were we aware of this’,” Cr Curran said. “He indicated we weren’t.” A few hours later the Ministry for Regional NSW issued a statement clarifying the recipient of the funding was the Griffith Cancer Therapy Accommodation Committee, not the local council. Doug Curran spoke about the funding at a press conference today. Supplied Ministry of Regional NSW Government ‘apologetic’ The committee, which is comprised of volunteers from CanAssist, Rotary and the Lions Club, applied for the business plan funding late last year. Chairman Brian Bortolin said the group wasn’t invited to the press conference, and was only notified the grant had been approved late this morning. “It was a bit disappointing; it would have been nice if our organisation had been recognised instead of Griffith City Council,” he said. Brian Bortolin says the committee wasn’t included in the announcement. Supplied Brian Bortolin Mr Bortolin said he received a call and had met with the Deputy Premier later that afternoon. “They’re very apologetic about it,” he said. The committee is aiming to build affordable accommodation for cancer patients who will visit a new radiotherapy facility due to open in Griffith this year. Mr Bortolin said the committee was still pleased to have been approved for the business case funding. “At the end of the day the people in the committee aren’t there for glory they’re there to get accommodation for people in outlying areas,” he said. “So long as we get what we need that’s all that matters.” Mr Toole declined to be interviewed but a spokesperson said the Deputy Premier was pleased to be in Griffith today to meet with committee members and have the announcement welcomed by council. Cr Curran said accepting the funding was “embarrassing” for the council but the project was essential for the region. “We hope it doesn’t distract from the ultimate outcome which is to try and get this facility up and running,” he said. Find more local news Browse for your location and find more local and information