Council has awarded $80,000 in Business Precinct Activation Grants to support six community-focused projects across Stonnington’s smaller neighbourhood shopping precincts.
Four grants of $15,000 and two grants of $10,000 have been awarded to projects designed to encourage people to shop locally, explore neighbourhood centres and connect with local traders.
The funded projects are community-run and will create opportunities for residents to enjoy unique experiences close to home. They include:
- a family-friendly Halloween trail along Waverley Road in Malvern East
- community street parties in Beatty Avenue, Armadale and Punt Road, Windsor
- a retail rewards trail in Hawksburn Village
- a health and wellbeing festival in Gardiner Village
- a community cycling and block party event in Glen Iris.
The purpose of the Business Precinct Activation Grants Program is to support and strengthen Stonnington’s smaller neighbourhood precincts that do not have Special Rate Schemes, recognising their important place within the community.
The Program encourages traders to work together to create experiences that promote their precinct as a destination, rather than individual businesses operating in isolation.
City of Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr said the projects will showcase the diverse shopping areas that contribute to Stonnington’s local character.
“Our neighbourhood precincts play an important role in local community life, and these grants will help support businesses to create experiences that attract visitors and strengthen local economic activity,” Cr Sehr said.
“When local businesses work together, the benefits extend beyond individual traders. Stronger, more vibrant precincts encourage local spending and foster a greater sense of community.”
This is the inaugural year of the Business Precinct Activation Grants Program.
Council received six eligible applications, with funding awarded to all six projects, supporting 30 businesses to deliver a diverse program of events and activations across the municipality.
