Community grants give funding boost for community initiatives

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr John Forsyth said Council was excited by the outstanding range of projects funded through Council's latest round of community grants. 

"These projects are being led by volunteers from our local community groups, and it really is inspiring to witness their passion and dedication to creating positive change for the benefit of the wider community," he said. 

Myrtleford has received a significant share of the funding, with eight projects receiving grants, including $5000 towards the U3A Myrtleford and District Inc Mosaics Project. 

This project will see the installation of three mosaic panels telling the story of the migrants who have helped make Myrtleford the town it is today, as well as the installation of a metal ship to illustrate the means by which the majority of the migrants arrived in Australia. 

Cr Forsyth said a QR code will be included so the migration story, produced by U3A members, will be available. 

"This project is designed not only to tell the story of migrants arriving in Myrtleford, but as a way for U3A to give back to the town," he said. 

"It's also a project our local U3A members can be proud of." 

Six projects in the Kiewa Valley have also received community grants, including $5,000 for the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre to establish an Indigenous Grow and Graze garden. 

Cr Forsyth said the garden will serve as an education tool, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the value of native plant species.  

"By sharing knowledge about indigenous gardening practices and the benefits they provide, the Neighbourhood Centre can inspire others to create their own biodiversity-friendly gardens," he said. 

"This project is aligned with the 2023/24 Community Grants Program's specific environmental funding stream 'Revitalising Our Environments',  an initiative of the Alpine Community Recovery Committee funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the Black Summer Bushfires." 

The full list of recipients for the 2023/24 Community Grants Program are: 

Bright Courthouse Committee of Management - Theatre Audio Visual System $12,000 Bright District U3A - Acoustic improvement to Senior Citizens Centre Hall $9,735 Bright RSL Sub Branch Inc. - Purchase PA System for Anzac Day ceremony $5,000 Dederang Picnic Race Club – Drainage Works $5,912 Dederang Recreation Reserve - Installation of Reverse Cycle $2,137 Kiewa Valley Community Radio Inc. trading as Alpine FM (formally Alpine Radio) - Data Storage and Programming Support Project $4,040 Mount Beauty Golf Club - Grounds management and safety equipment $1,937  Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre – Indigenous Grow and Graze $5,000 Myrtleford and District Landcare and Sustainability Group Inc. - Ovens River and Happy Valley Creek Environmental Enhancement $6,000  Myrtleford Cemetery Trust - Installation of Plinths $6,500 Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc - Myrtleford Summer Serie $1,670 Myrtleford Football Netball Club - Mental Healthcare to support/equip MFNC Wellbeing Team $2,293 Myrtleford Golf Club Inc. - Upgrade Power Switch Board $2,330 Myrtleford RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated - Essential Portable Equipment $6,000 Myrtleford Toy Library Incorporated - Myrtleford's Little Learners $4,000 Ovens Valley Canine Club - Master Plan 23/24 $5,000  Ovens Valley United Cricket Club Inc - Bowling into the future $3,000  Tawonga & District Community Association – Portable BBQs $550  U3A Myrtleford and District Inc - Mosaics project depicting immigration to Myrtleford $5,000 

"Each of these remarkable projects demonstrates innovative approaches to addressing local needs, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening the social fabric of our community," Cr Forsyth said. 

"Whether it's supporting vulnerable populations, promoting environmental sustainability, or enhancing cultural and recreational opportunities, these initiatives will undoubtedly leave a lasting and positive impact on our community." 

Council would like to extend its appreciation to all applicants who took the time to submit their proposals.