Grants to support groups

Published on 24 October 2023

More than $140,000 in grants have been awarded to 33 community groups as part of the latest round of Council’s Community Assistance Fund.

From the purchase of new township Christmas decorations through to power tools for a Men’s Shed, Mayor Cr Ian Smith said the grants would support groups and organisations in every corner of the shire.

“The aim of this fund is to support clubs to upgrade their facilities, purchase new equipment or run programs and initiatives that all have wider community benefit – this list is the perfect example of that,” he said.

“The Men’s Shed which is buying new tools provides an important social outlet for many in the community, there are a number of sporting clubs receiving support which promote healthy and active lifestyles, but again provide those vital community connections.

“This fund is our way of supporting you and saying thank you for the important work you do.”

Cr Smith said there was $49,660 left in the budget for a second round of funding which will open for applications in February.

“This fund is one of the best things we do as a Council, it’s great to see so many applications for the first round – but I’m pleased we can still have a second round so those who might not have been ready can still seek some support.

“I’d encourage groups who didn’t put in an application this time to start thinking about equipment they need or upgrades they’d love to undertake and then put in an application.”

Successful funding recipients were:

Under $3000

Port Fairy Tennis Club - $1,845 for engineering report to assess building suitability for solar panels
Koroit and District Primary School - $2946 for iPads
Permaculture South West Victoria - $1,500 to support two workshops.
Illowa Community Recreation Reserve - $2,545 for new stove in hall kitchen
Hawkesdale and District Community Development Action Committee - $1,618 for new township Christmas decorations
Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail Committee of Management - $2,468, to purchase hand tools and a cycle repair station for Koroit.
Port Fairy Mens Shed - $1,684 foe power tools to assist with projects.
Broadwater Community Reserve - $2,958 to pressure clean building and replace windows.
Macarthur and District Historical Society -$2,283 for internet access
Nirranda Community Centre - $2,950 for a new slasher
Toolong Community Centre - $ 1,170 for outdoor seating
Grassmere Hall and Recreation Reserve - $2,800 for a new shelter at the tennis courts
East Framlingham Golf Club - $1,363 for a pole saw
Port Fairy Bridge Club - $2,969 for computerized scoring units
Koroit Bowls Club - $2,940 to purchase equipment for a new junior program
Country Fire Authority - Wooriwyrite Fire Brigade - $2,713 for firefighting nozzles and adapters
Port Fairy Public Cemetery Trust - $2,976 for beautification works of memorial area.
Koroit District Angling Club - $1,007 For promotional flags and a BBQ
The Sisters Hall - $1,693 to replace a shade sail.

Over $3000

Peterborough Tennis Club - $3000 for summer tennis coaching.
Warrnambool Olympic Pistol Club - $3,092 for works on range wall
Caramut Recreation Reserve - $12,600 for oval drainage works
Spring Creek Cricket Club - $15,000 for cricket nets at Woolsthorpe Recreation Reserve
Hawkesdale Macarthur Football Netball Club - $15,000 for Hawkesdale Netball Court resurfacing
Port Fairy Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society - $6,849 for a ride on mower
Port Fairy Football Netball Club - $5,400 for a turf management project
Hexham Recreation Reserve Committee of Management - $15,000 for a storage shed.
Port Fairy Community Pool Management Gorup - $3,055 for ceiling installation
South West Makers Association - $4,153 for displays for new gallery space.