Half a million dollars invested in community projects

One hundred and thirty six local community groups will receive a share in more than $500,000, as part of Canterbury-Bankstown’s annual Community Grants and Events Sponsorship Program.

Mayor Khal Asfour said 217 applications were received, requesting in excess of $1.85 million.

"The successful applicants were selected based on how their projects will support and meet the needs of our growing community," he said.

"Our aim is to help increase equality in our area, develop resilient and adaptive communities, and are committed to the social wellbeing of our residents, workers and visitors."

Over the next 12 months, the selected projects will be implemented by a variety of organisations, including neighbourhood and community centres, churches, seniors groups, youth and family services, CALD organisations, as well as recreation and sporting clubs.

Among the successful applicants was Bankstown Youth Development Services (BYDS), which will invest its grant in the Children’s Voices Out Loud project, a partnership with the Smith Family and Bankstown Arts Centre.

Together they will be presenting Polyglot Theatre’s Voice Lab - a creative installation module for collecting the thoughts and opinions of children.

"The project focuses on providing children with a warm and friendly space to have their opinions listened to, without judgement or pressure," BYDS Director Tim Carroll said.

"Participants are invited, one at a time, into a specially designed, beautiful, interactive dome, to have a conversation with Voice Lab – a voice driven by a concealed live performer that asks questions and encourages opinions.

"We will be inviting a variety of local children’s groups to take part in the project, which will provide the raw material to develop an artist-led exhibition/installation, celebrating the children’s voices and opinions, opening in May next year."

Voice Lab will be at Bankstown Arts Centre from 11-15 March.

All grant recipients will receive a certificate at a presentation at the Bryan Brown Theatre on Wednesday 12 September.