Almost $500,000 will be handed out to 16 local clubs, groups and organisations, as part of East Gippsland Shire Council’s latest round of community grants.
Council has endorsed 16 recipients to share in $472,982 from the shire’s Community Infrastructure Grant Program.
Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves said the funding was provided to support projects that provide a high level of benefit to the East Gippsland community.
“We allocated these grants to help groups get projects happening that benefit a range of people and can be enjoyed by our communities,” Cr Reeves said.
“It’s an important way for Council to support the important work that volunteer-run organisations do to benefit others. The significant Bushfire and COVID recovery funding that Council has received from the Australian and Victorian governments for specific projects has enabled Council to free up some of its own funds to support these important local initiatives,” Cr Reeves said.
Twenty-seven applications were received, with16 groups successful in sharing the funding. The successful applications included building repairs and upgrades, installation of solar panels and lighting, and community gym equipment.
The successful projects, which must be completed by 1 June 2023 under the funding agreement, were:
· Bairnsdale Bridge Club, $20,000, replacement of an iron roof on the club building.
· Bairnsdale Squash & Racquetball Association, $45,454, restoration of flooring.
· Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, $45,454, public toilet upgrade.
· East Gippsland Rail Trail Committee of Management Inc., $29,090, solar lighting in tunnels.
· Ensay Mechanics Institute Reserve, $45,454, Community Hall revitalisation – kitchen upgrade.
· Lakes Entrance Golf Club Incorporated, $45,454, sealing of function centre car park.
· Lakes Entrance Mechanics Institute Management Committee Inc., $13,636, solar panel project.
· Lindenow Recreation and Bowling Club, $13,760, lighting upgrade.
· Lindenow Sports Ground Committee of Management, $34,188, relocation and upgrade of the main entrance to the sports ground.
· Nowa Nowa Hall Committee Inc., $16,448, Nowa Nowa Public Hall Renewal Project.
· Omeo District Health, $45,000, community gym equipment.
· Omeo Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, $21,840, upgrade of windows and doors.
· Orbost Pony Club, $36,363, equine equipment storage shed.
· Orbost Snowy Rovers Football Netball Club Inc, $25,000, installation of concrete aprons.
· Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre $35,965, accessible carport and mobility handrails.
· Wy Yung Football Netball Club, $13,636, upgrade of the club kitchen.
“Council recognises the valuable contributions of all of these community groups,” Cr Reeves said.
“We’re pleased to be able to support them with grants big and small. Though this grant program was a once-off funding opportunity, Council will continue to support our community groups that manage infrastructure on behalf of the community both through our Community Small Grants program and through direct maintenance allocations.”
