Upgrades and the refurbishment of a historic club house at Healesville Bowls Club and resurfacing of Macclesfield Pony and Adult Riding Clubs arena are among some of the important infrastructure projects funded from Council’s 2022-23 Capital Development Grants.
The grants which have opened again for the 2024-25 financial year offer financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to improve sport and active recreation infrastructure.
Funding is provided as a one-off grant with the goal of benefiting sporting and recreation groups as well as the general community.
Healesville Bowls Club Vice Chairman, John Clark said last year’s grant has helped them restore their historic 80-year-old club house to its former glory.
“The Grants we received from Yarra Ranges Council has helped us to successfully restore and refurbish our original historic club house, bringing it back to a space that can now be utilised as more than just a storage space but somewhere where members and volunteers can socialise and as a warm and welcoming space for visiting clubs to gather and connect,” John said.
“For us All the money received wholly and solely went into this project as we’re not just preserving a piece of history for the club but for the Healesville community too, and without the Council grant this would not have been possible, so a big thank you to Council and all the volunteers and members who contributed their time and trades to get the clubhouse looking great again,” John said.
A capital development grant can cover up to 50% of the total project cost but not exceeding $30,000.
Last year’s recipients Healesville Bowls Club, used the grant to refurbish and refresh an 80-year-old club house
To be eligible for the Capital Development Grants, applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit organizations or community groups operating within the Yarra Ranges municipality. The grants are available for a broad range of projects, including but not limited to:
• Construction, renovation, or upgrade of community facilities
• Development or enhancement of parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces
• Installation or improvement of sporting infrastructure
• Upgrading accessibility features in public spaces
• Sustainability initiatives and environmental conservation projects
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child encouraged applicants to apply.
“The Capital Development Grants recognise the immense contributions community sport clubs and organisations make to the Yarra Ranges each year,” Cr Child said.
“Grants are often the difference between whether a project gets off the ground or not, so Council is thrilled to be able to help and we thank these groups for their hard work reconnecting with the community during and after the pandemic, and offering a space that fosters physical activity and community connection.”
