Events benefit from Community Grants, flood support programs

Published on 24 October 2023

Sixteen local events will share in more than $48,000 of funding thanks to the Gannawarra Shire Council Community Grants Program and the municipality’s Flood Recovery Program.

Council was inundated with requests for support for its annual community grants program during a four-week application period, resulting in 43 applications submitted totalling $173,900.68.

“It was fantastic to see so many community groups take the time to apply for this popular program, which supports initiatives that align with the Growing Gannawarra – 2021-2025 Council Plan and other strategies,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Council thanks all groups that submitted a request for funding, and congratulates the successful applicants.”

Council approved for $14,220 worth of funding to be awarded to six events, including the Celebrating Koondrook’s Paddleboat Heritage Festival, the Quambatook Show and the Kerang Lakes Community Christmas Celebration, as part of the Community Grants Program’s Community Event stream.

Councillors also requested for an additional 10 events and projects, valued at $34,425, that had been considered for support via the Community Grants Program to be referred to the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee for consideration as part of the Flood Recovery Program. These events and projects included Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, family fun days, school holiday celebrations and musical performances.

“By recommending these additional 10 events to be supported by the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee as part of the Flood Recovery Program, it will mean that all event organisers that sought funding via the Community Grants Program’s events stream will receive funding, meaning more events for residents and visitors as we continue our recovery from the October-December 2022 floods,” Mayor Gillingham said.

A decision regarding the awarding of projects to be supported by the Community Grants Program’s Community Support stream will be made at the November 2023 Council Meeting.

Community groups and organisations looking for funding for current and future projects are encouraged to visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/grants, which features various grant opportunities.

Projects that have been successfully awarded funding thanks to Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2023 Community Grants Program’s Community Event stream and Flood Recovery programs are: