Community groups prosper from City of Hobart grants

Published on 06 June 2023

From multicultural soccer tournaments, to Masters football clubs, living arts markets, community orchestras and dance projects – a wide range of community clubs and organisations are set to benefit from the latest round of City of Hobart grants.

All up 32 grants have been awarded to invest in activities that enhance the community and culture and shape the social and economic life of the city ranging from a small grant for the Nigerian community’s installation of a stone plaque to major community events such as the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival and the Diwali Event.

Hobart Welcoming and Inclusive City Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock said even a relatively small amount of money can make a big difference.

“To see the impact these grants have on a wide range of community groups, sporting clubs and multicultural organisations is truly inspiring,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.

“The benefit this money has is exponential in the positives it brings to the wider Hobart community.”

The Black Scorpions community soccer team will use its community grant for uniforms and balls for its Tasmanian Africans and Friends Soccer tournament.

“Uniform for the team is your identity,” Black Scorpions president Jal David said.

“The grant money allows us to build that image by supporting us to buy that uniform and have the colours that we have.

“The tournament, we call it the Tasmanian African and Friends soccer tournament and the idea is to bring young people from a multicultural background together to celebrate diversity and also to build a network between themselves.

“It also gives the group a goal to work towards together and also engage them in something that is healthy and team building.”

The Hobart Football Club AFL Masters Program used its community grant to purchase the club’s first defibrillator – greatly enhancing the club’s chance of saving a life in an emergency.

Hobart Football Club Masters Program spokesman James Holmstrom said Masters Australian rules allowed men over the age of 35 the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and fitness while enjoying a game of footy.

“Access to this funding enables our club to meet our health and safety guidelines while acquiring a defibrillator that also provides our community with access to a valuable resource,” Mr Holmstrom said.

“There is a 50 to 75 per cent chance of survival when a defibrillator is used within the first three to five minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest. Without defibrillation, survival rates may be as low as 12 per cent.

“A huge thanks to the Hobart City Council for this generous grant.

“This funding enables us to continue providing a safe and healthy environment to Hobart FC Masters members and the surrounding community.”