Council awards almost $50,000 to local organisations through new community grants

Seventeen local not-for-profit community groups will benefit from the funding which will help them deliver community-led projects that benefit a range of age groups, interests and locations throughout the Shire.

The review and re-establishment of the Community Grants Program was undertaken to streamline the funding provided to the community by council under one overarching framework, using the principles as outlined by the Australian Institute of Grants Management.

The re-established program was launched in September 2020 and 27 applications were received.

Mayor Liz Campbell thanked staff for their work in changing the framework for the program.

"A lot of work went into this over a long period of time and the outcome shows what we can do," she said.

"The revised program not only tripled the funding council was offering to community groups, but it has also aimed to increase the skills within our community groups to successfully achieve funding.

"Information sessions, dedicated staff support, and quality grant program guidelines meant that Council received high-quality applications for important projects right across the Shire."

The application process was managed through a dedicated online grants portal and assessment against published criteria has also helped Council's grant program reach best practice standards in fairness, equity and transparency.

Funds were made available across four categories including the Mayoral Community Fund, Environmental Levy Grants, Community Halls Grants and Sporting Grants.

Councillor Sue McGinn spoke for the recommendation at the November council meeting and said the grants will help local organisations and groups further their work in the community.

"We're awarding close to $50,000 in grants and that's a large amount for very worthy organisations to expand their value in our community," she said.

Council received 27 applications across three of the four categories, with no applications submitted under the Community Halls grants. Those funds will be reinvested towards the ongoing maintenance costs of local Community Halls.

Council's Director Corporate and Commercial, Stephen Mitchell, congratulated the recipients and all the groups that took the time to submit an application.

"Council is thrilled to be able to support a great range of worthwhile projects that include providing specific sporting and community meeting equipment, activities for mothers groups and war widows and new community meeting spaces," he said.

Successful applicants will be presented with their funding at a ceremony on Thursday, December 3.

Council staff will also work with unsuccessful applicants to offer feedback on their application and provide suggestions for improvement.

The successful recipients are:

Environmental Levy Grants

Mayoral Community Fund

Sporting Grants