COVID Cash for Grassroots Groups

Media Release | Thursday, 27 August 2020

Capel Shire Council has decided to fund a one-off community donation scheme to support all clubs, associations and sporting bodies within the Shire, to help them overcome the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

On Wednesday night, the Council agreed to adopt a plan put forward by Shire President Cr Michael Southwell to grant a no-strings cash amount to each organised group, calculated at $50 per member.

It is believed the scheme will deliver around $150,000 across all the groups.

The Shire conducted a community recovery and support survey during phase two COVID-19 restrictions to understand the effect of the pandemic shutdowns and social gathering restrictions on local community groups and clubs.

Most arts and sports activities ceased temporarily, resulting in financial difficulties for a reported 33% of sporting clubs and 20% of community groups.

It meant many groups and clubs did not receive revenue from normal sources, such as membership fees or fundraisers.

This has resulted in the absence of many arts, cultural and sporting programs, which provide critical avenues for the community to connect.

Cr Southwell said every club or association he knew of had been hard hit.  He said the grants were a form of stimulus package designed to help groups recover and re-boot their activities.

“As the tier of government closest to the grassroots of our communities, I feel it is our task in this time of crisis to dig deep and help all the organisations which make up the social fabric in our area,” Cr Southwell said.

“It must be emphasised that this can only be a one-off, as it is unbudgeted expenditure.

“This is not intended to be a perfect solution to the issues we face as a result of the pandemic, but we think it will give our communities a boost, encouraging groups to resume normal activities and perhaps plan new ones.”

Community groups and clubs can register for the one-off donation at the Shire’s website capel.wa.gov.au from 1 September 2020, with the application period closing on 30 November.

The donation supports the Shires strategic objective of responding to key community challenges together and creating a more connected community.

The Shire encourages clubs to use the donation to get people to reconnect with local community members to improve overall community wellbeing.

“All of our resources belong to ratepayers and residents,” Cr Southwell said.

“Normally, they expect us to apply funds to improve infrastructure and services so that we cater for future needs.  In times of crisis, we should give back to ensure life can continue as close as possible to normal.”

ENDS

If you have a public relations, media, marketing or a brand enquiry Call Tiana Williams on 0428 176 032. For statements and quotes call Cr Michael Southwell on 0478 839 829