An array of outstanding community initiatives will receive grant funding in Round 1 of Georges River Council’s Community Grants program, with grants awarded to 19 community organisations to deliver 20 projects in 2024.
Community Grants 2023-2024 Round 1 will provide a total of $130,215.00 to a diverse range of projects across various sectors from arts and culture to environmental conservation.
Initiatives funded include projects that will foster digital inclusion for people in need through the repair and distribution of recycled mobile phones, mentoring opportunities for men to help prevent men’s suicide, DJ workshops for young people, and initiatives to promote social inclusion and job-readiness for people with autism and ADHD.
“Each of these initiatives showcases the inspiring commitment of local community organisations striving every day to enhance the lives of different people in our community,” said Georges River Mayor Sam Elmir.
“These grants are designed to build the capacity of community organisations to deliver important projects and activities that address identified community needs and promote participation and inclusion.
“I believe each of these initiatives will be game-changers for Georges River by addressing specific community needs. We want to help to create positive and lasting impacts in people’s lives.”
Fifteen projects have been funded in the Capacity Building category totalling $102,354, and five projects have been funded in the Reconnecting Communities category totalling $27,861.
Successful applications were chosen for their alignment with Council’s Community Strategic Plan, and other plans and strategies such as the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Social Justice Charter.
“These grants demonstrate Georges River Council’s dedication to building a thriving, interconnected, and inclusive community. We have seen some remarkable outcomes from previous years’ recipients, and I look forward to hearing about outcomes from the latest round of recipients,” Mayor Sam Elmir said.
A snapshot is included below of three of the 20 wonderful initiatives selected for the Community Grants 2023-2024 Round 1.
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Mentoring Men Ltd – Connecting Men: Reaching Out and Speaking Up
Mentoring Men Ltd has received a grant of $7,465 for its Connecting Men: Reaching Out and Speaking Up project, which offers free one-to-one life mentoring to at-risk men.
Under the program, volunteers will receive Mentor and Suicide Prevention training before they are paired with at-risk men for 6 to 12-month Life Mentor Relationships, with a series of community events organised to further enhance social connections and reduce social isolation.
The project will prioritise culturally and neurologically diverse men, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, men with disability, and trauma survivors.
The project aims to address the lack of early intervention programs for men’s mental health, reduce social isolation and loneliness, and contribute to building a more connected and resilient community in Georges River.
The Reconnect Project – Addressing Digital Inclusion
The Reconnect Project, which has received a $4,000 community grant, aims to bridge the digital divide by distributing refurbished mobile devices to disadvantaged people in the Georges River local government area.
Operating from Penshurst, The Reconnect Project also provides training in electronic repair skills to neurodiverse young people with autism and ADHD, offering valuable skills for future employment.
The project will distribute refurbished devices to support digital inclusion for education, work, and social connection and collaborates with social service agencies to ensure equitable access to technology for people in need.
The Reconnect Project will contribute to social engagement while also contributing to a circular economy and environmental sustainability by reducing electronic waste.
Shopfront Arts Co-op Ltd – Harness
Shopfront Arts Co-op Ltd – a youth-focused organisation dedicated to providing opportunities in the arts with an emphasis on inclusivity – will receive a $10,000 Capacity Building Grant in the Community Development category for its Harness Accessible Skills Development and Career Pathways initiative.
The Harness project will empower 12 emerging artists, including those with disabilities, to create a new stage production exploring changing technology in collaboration with Milk Crate Theatre.
The project aims to create meaningful, inclusive art while promoting social impact and community development and challenging perceptions and stereotypes of artists with disability.
The benefits of the project will extend to the broader community by challenging preconceptions, building pride, increasing community capacity, and building connections.
