$334,000 boost for community projects, events

Published on 21 October 2021

Local community groups and organisations will share in more than $334,000 of funding thanks to Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2021 Community Grants program.

One of the highlights of Council’s 2021/22 Budget, community groups and organisations were encouraged during a five-week period to apply for support for proposed community events and projects.

Council approved the successful list of 24 initiatives to benefit from funding at its October 2021 Council Meeting, held on 20 October.

“As in previous years, Council’s Community Grants Program was popular. This year’s program received 32 applications for funding, requesting more than $621,000 worth of projects,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“The successful projects, which range from facility improvements to new local events, align with the Growing Gannawarra – 2021-2025 Gannawarra Shire Council Plan and other Council strategies.”

Funding was awarded through three funds:

• Major Community Project Fund – Four projects, including recreation reserve facility improvements, kitchen renovations and foreshore public amenity upgrades, will share in $252,366.71 of funding.
• Community Support Grants – Thirteen projects, ranging from furniture upgrades to developing a contactless participant registration system, will share in $52,727.90 of funding.
• Community Event Grants – Seven events, including the Gannawarra Memorial Toy Run to the new iniative ‘Summerwave Festival’, will share in $29,500.00 of funding.

“Council thanks all applicants for submitting a request for funding, and congratulates the successful applicants,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“We look forward to seeing how these successful projects come to fruition over the coming 12 months.”

Community groups and organisations looking for funding for current and future projects are encouraged to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/grants, which features various grant opportunities.

Projects that have been successfully awarded funding thanks to Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2021 Community Grants program are: