ClubGRANTS open again for applications

ClubGRANTS open again for applications ClubGRANTS help fund not-for-profits and community groups in our Shire, like Marine Rescue Bermagui. Last year the group received funding to purchase Personal Locator Beacons for their crew to carry. Caron Parfitt and Steven Knight from Marine Rescue are pictured here with Robert Beuzeville from the Bermagui Country Club

3 August 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council and registered clubs throughout the district are encouraging local groups to apply for funding now via the ClubGRANTS program, which has reopened for applications for a short time.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding for projects that improve community wellbeing and address social issues in the Bega Valley Shire.

As we all know too well, it has been a hugely challenging and disrupted year for the entire Bega Valley community and our local clubs have not escaped the impact of, first the bushfires, and now COVID-19.

Due to the extreme uncertainty and disruption, not least of all the fact that the clubs were forced to close for several weeks because of the public health restrictions, the ClubGRANTS committee were forced to make the difficult decision to defer this year’s program earlier in the year.

Now, with the clubs back operating, albeit in a restricted capacity due to the ongoing pandemic, and to align with the legislation and recent advice from Clubs NSW, the local program is back open.

It is important to note that those community groups who previously applied earlier in the year do not need to complete a new application.

Chairperson of the Bega Valley ClubGRANTS Committee and Secretary Manager of the Merimbula RSL Club, Michael Mutsch, said while the clubs are businesses, they are also here for the community.

“We are proud of the important role our clubs play; funding projects that don’t have clear funding paths and creating places where people can gather and enjoy the company of others,” Mr Mutsch said.

“With the funding available this year reduced due to the shutdowns, we will be solely focused on supporting projects that don’t have other funding sources at this time.

“Please be aware of the short timeframe for applications and let us know about the great work you are doing as we collectively look forward to supporting you in any way we can.

 “We are proud to help build a stronger community through ClubGRANTS,” Mr Mutsch said.

During the last 16 years, Bega Valley ClubGRANTS Category 1 have contributed close to $1.5 million to the local community.

Five local clubs are contributing this year - Bermagui Country Club, Club Bega, Club Sapphire Merimbula, Eden Fishermen's Recreation Club, and the Merimbula RSL.

The ClubGRANTS scheme is managed by Bega Valley Shire Council but is a shared State Government and club industry program, funded by a gaming machine tax on registered clubs with gaming machine profits more than $1 million.

To apply head to www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/grants - applications close at 9am on Monday 10 August 2020.

For more information, contact Council’s Grants Administration Officer, Jayde Rankin, on (02) 6499 2330

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