Bass Coast Shire Council last night held its Community Grants celebration at Berninneit in Cowes, honoring a range of community groups who were recipients of thousands of dollars of funding to deliver impactful community projects.
Council has worked in partnership with many community organisations this year to ensure the grants program met the diverse needs of community groups across the region. Representatives from a broad range of community groups shared their stories not only about the projects, but also the impact they have in local communities.
- Quick Response Grants – 50 applications – $72,285
- Community Grants – 47 applications – $200,207
- Climate Action Grants – four applications – $18,006
“A special shout out goes to our dedicated volunteers who contribute their time to various committees, often more than one. Without them, many events and programs simply wouldn’t come to fruition. On behalf of the Council, I express our gratitude for the invaluable support provided by our grants program, facilitating so many initiatives” said Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve.
“The breadth of applications received reflects the remarkable initiative and interest within our community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.”
Community Grant Recipients
Community programs and events
- Phillip Island Ukulele Group’s inaugural Phillip Island Ukulele Festival
- Corinella and District Community Centre – Veggies on the Verge
- Inverloch Tourism Association – Inverloch Community Festival
- Dalyston Football Netball Club – Deb Reilly run for the kids
Sporting programs:
- Wonthaggi United Soccer Club – portable goals
- Wonthaggi Underwater Hockey Club – come and try underwater hockey
Capital work projects:
- Phillip Island Boardriders Club – clubhouse exterior renewal
- YES Youth Hub – remove and replace gas appliances
- Corinella Ratepayers and Residents – provision of power to rotunda, Harold Hughes Reserve
Equipment:
- Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club – equipment for youth development (nippers) and lifesaving operations
- 317ACU Wonthaggi – equipment seeding grant to support youth Army cadets
Environmental:
- Phillip Island Land Alliance – book launch ‘a field guide to the native flora of Millowl’
- Ventnor Coast Care Association – Ventnor foreshore reserve weed mapping
Major Project Grant Category
Six programs were awarded up to a maximum of $10,000 each, three each round.
This year’s successful recipients include:
- Phillip Island Football Netball Club: Outdoor blind project
- Cowes Yacht Club: Boat ramp renewal stage 2
- Dalyston Football Netball Club: Dalyston Recreation Reserve playspace
- Phillip Island Community Orchard: Strategic plan and design for building hub
- Newhaven Yacht Squadron: Public accessible stairway renewal
- Glen Alvie Recreation Reserve: Gazebo for historic display stage 1
Additionally, a $10,000 major project funding is awarded in the Climate Action category for each round which was awarded to Energy Innovation Co-op for a feasibility study of EV charging stations at community buildings.
Community Grants 2024 Round 1 is open until Friday, 8 March 2024. Council encourages community groups across Bass Coast to take inspiration from the great projects funded in 2023 for an exciting 2024 of new projects.
