If your group or club needs financial support to make its community, environmental or recreation project a reality, consider applying for the next round of Council’s Community Grants.
Council offers support through nine different grants categories throughout the year to eligible community groups, clubs and organisations, and the next round is set to open on Monday 5 August.
The upcoming grant funding round follows the recent presentation of more than $330,000 to 50 local groups as part of the previous round.
Funding was provided in the following grants categories:
Arts – $12,385
Recreation Development/Recreation Facilities Upgrade $40,576
Events – $274,690
Rural Access – $2470
Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence said the Community Grants Program provided a valuable opportunity for Council to partner with local residents, groups and organisations on worthwhile projects and initiatives.
“With each round of Community Grants I’m constantly impressed by the dedication, initiative and innovation shown by our community,” Cr Clemence said.
“In the majority of cases, it’s volunteers who are donating hundreds of hours of their time to make the project or initiative they’re passionate about a reality, which ultimately benefits the broader community. It’s gratifying to see that we can play a role in supporting these projects through our Community Grants.”
Councillor for Economic Development and Tourism Mark Eckel congratulated this year’s Events Grants recipients who successfully applied for more than $274,000.
“We’re so fortunate in our region to feature a diverse array of successful events – from major sporting and cultural events through to smaller community initiatives,” Cr Eckel said.
“These events not only allow local people to enjoy and grow their chosen sport or area of interest, importantly, they provide a significant boost to our region’s economy, and our reputation as an events destination.”
Councillor for Recreation and Sport Glenn Milne said grants presented in the two Recreation categories last month demonstrated the continued push by local sporting clubs and associations to improve their facilities and programs.
“The previous round’s 12 successful applicants included projects to either renovate or upgrade existing facilities, such as clubrooms, fencing or extensions, or initiatives to develop new programs or purchase additional equipment,” Cr Milne said.
“Ultimately it’s our community that benefits from the vision and hard work of our volunteer-run recreation groups, who provided these facilities.”
Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said Sunraysia’s Arts Community continued to impress with the projects put forward for support as part of the Arts Development Grants.
“Whether it’s the creation of skills development programs, stage lighting/equipment, or putting on special events for our community, the recent round’s recipients came up with some fantastic initiatives that are certainly worthy of support,” Cr Modica said.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equality Helen Healy congratulated the Irymple Kindergarten for its successful application for a Rural Access Grant earlier this year, enabling the installation of a walkway safety barrier.
“Rural Access Grants serve an important role in our community, supporting local, not-for-profit organisations to help them with projects that meet the needs of people with disability, their carers and families,” Cr Healy said.
Applications for the next round of grants – Community Project, Environmental Project and Recreation – open on Monday 5 August and close on Monday 16 September.
