Image Caption: From L to R; Nathan Cassar, Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi, Chair of the Mind Connections Foundation Dr Padmini Howpage, Lara Perrett, and Dr Daya Howpage for Pawsitive Steps.
Hills Shire community groups can now apply for funding through Council’s 2024/25 Annual Community Grants Program.
The program provides funding between $2,501 and $25,000 and is broadly focused on providing grants for community services in the following priority areas:
- Events, concerts, theatre, and arts programs designed to engage key community members that entertain the broader community
- Domestic violence prevention and recovery
- Mental health and suicide prevention and
- Disability, youth, seniors, and cultural projects that support community participation opportunities.
Other project areas may be considered on merit.
Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi said the program’s purpose is to help community groups do what they do best.
“The Hills Shire is fortunate to have so many community groups dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our residents,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“Council is proud to provide the Annual Community Grants Program, giving our community groups another opportunity to make the Shire an even better place.
“I highly encourage local community groups to apply for the Annual Community Grants Program”.
Chairman of the Mind Connections Foundation Dr Padmini Howpage said the 2023-2024 grant funding they received was used to host Pawsitive Steps, an annual family fun day that raises awareness about mental health, provides mental health education and promotes early intervention in a non-stigmatising environment using dogs and exercise.
“The generous grant from The Hills Shire Council has fostered community support and assisted the foundation to lead the charge in nurturing a more compassionate and understanding Hills Shire community,” Dr Howpage said.
“I would like to thank Council and encourage everyone to come to the Pawsitive Steps event this Saturday.”
The Pawsitve Steps event will run this Saturday, 27 April from 9am – 5pm at Rouse Hill Town Centre. The event will include a wellbeing walk, information stalls, entertainment and more for the whole family and canine companions. For more information, visit: .
To assist with the grant application process, Council will host training sessions at The Hills Shire Council Chambers on:
- Thursday 9 May 2024 – 6.00pm – Council Building Room 1
- Thursday 16 May 2024 – 2.00pm – Council Building Room 1
Applications close on Monday, 20 May 2024 at 11:59pm. For more information and to register for a training session, visit
