Council celebrates Community Development Grant recipients

Baw Baw Shire Council has acknowledged the valuable contributions made by community groups in the Shire, announcing $143,836 in funding for 34 successful Community Development Grant recipients at its annual presentation evening on Thursday 25 November 2021. 

The presentation ceremony, held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, was hosted by Baw Baw Shire Council CEO Mark Dupe alongside Mayor Michael Leaney and Councillor Peter Kostos.  

The occasion provided an opportunity for Council to celebrate the 34 successful recipients and formally present them with their well-deserved grant funding. 

Mayor Leaney and Councillor Kostos presented each representative with their recognition certificate outlining the grant funding amount and the title of their project.  

Council’s annual Community Development Grants program is open for all eligible non-profit organisations, groups and associations throughout the Shire with funding available across three categories: environment, equipment and minor capital works. 

The program provides crucial support to local groups and associations to help them deliver valuable projects and programs for the Baw Baw Shire community.  

For example, the President of the Warragul Business Group, Theresa Mitchell said the $5,000 in grant funding they received will support the purchase of “25 meters of white, recycled picket fencing that will be used for an upcoming community Christmas event held in Warragul.” 

Another successful recipient, Colin McKay, president of the club Neerim District Bowling Club, said “small clubs need all the help they can get and the grant money we have received from Baw Baw Shire is invaluable. The grant will go towards four outdoor tables with seating for bowls and social events held at the club”.  

For a full list of the successful 2021 Community Development Grant recipients, as well as more information about the program and how groups can apply, please visit  Council’s website.  

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney 

“I thank all the representatives who were able to join us at the annual presentation evening. Despite some capacity limits, we were able to celebrate in person and formally present each recipient with their grant.  

The Community Development Grants program is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and support the positive contributions that community groups and associations make across our Shire. I congratulate all successful 34 grant recipients and I look forward to seeing the project outcomes.”