Council awards more than $50,000 in grants to community

The funding included a total of $32,868.50 for Round One of the 2023/2024 Community Matching Grants Program, with ten applicants sharing in the funding.

Council’s Community Matching Grants aim to build new social connections, encourage community participation, enable community skill development, and create, renew or revitalise community spaces. Funded projects have demonstrated that they are inclusive, have wide community support, and are sustainable.

A further $17,444.80 was awarded to five applicants under the Access and Inclusion Grant Program 2023/2024. This grant program supports businesses, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to improve access and inclusion for people with disabilities, their families, friends, and carers within the municipality.

Two streams of funding were offered under the Access and Inclusion Grant Program, with stream one providing up to $1,000 per successful applicant for non-structural developments, while stream two provided up to $10,000 in funding for minor capital works.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it is fantastic to see such a large sum of money distributed back into the community which will benefit the wider region.

“We are always pleased to deliver grants and funding to community groups and organisations which need a helping hand to achieve their goals, whether that be through hosting an event, purchasing upgraded equipment, improving access for community, or running workshops and training programs,” he said.

“We understand how important this grant funding can be and we look forward to seeing these successful applicants put the funding to good use.”

For more information about Council’s grants program and future funding opportunities, visit our website grants and funding page. 

A full list of successful grant applicants is included below.

Community Matching Grants 2023/24 Round One

Organisation

Project

Grant awarded (GST free)

Tatura Civic Halls Inc.

Upgrade of electrical switchboards - Funding to upgrade electrical switchboards at Tatura Civic Hall Complex, enhancing safety and efficiency.

$5,000

Goulburn Valley Woodworkers

Woodworking Show - Funding to assist the 31st annual Woodworking Show, the largest in regional Victoria.

$3,322

Shepparton Access

Gaming Café - Funding to establish a Gaming Cafe for people with disabilities, promoting community connection and learning through gaming.

$5,000

Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed Inc.

Cladding of shade shed – Funding to support the installation of cladding to the shed with Colourbond and add entry and roller doors to enhance the facilities.

$5,000

Mooroopna Education and

Activity Centre

Barbeque project - Funding to purchase a barbeque to host regular free community barbeques, fostering recovery from the 2022 floods and promoting social cohesiveness with the community.

$1,000

Toolamba Recreation Reserve and Community Centre Community Asset Committee

Lighting and kitchen facilities upgrade - Funding to upgrade the lighting and kitchen facilities at the Toolamba Community Centre to support various events and a coffee service.

$3,406.50

Murchison Community Plan

Art project - Funding to support a project to explore local history through visual art, involving residents creating new works inspired by historical artefacts.

$2,525

Primary Care Connect

Micro Kitchen Gardens Project - Funding to support a Micro Kitchen Gardens Project to encourage community members to grow their produce, addressing food insecurity and promoting mental wellbeing through workshops.

$1,850

Siasi Uesiliana Tauataina o

Tonga i Aositelelia,

Shepparton Branch

PA system for Community Hall - Funding to support a newly developed Tongan group purchase a PA system to promote cultural advancement of Tongans living in Greater Shepparton.

$5,000

Caniambo Public Hall

Renew window furnishings - Funding to replace deteriorated curtains with new blinds to refresh the hall and provide a more appealing environment for local events and the community.

$765

Total

$32,868.50

Access and Inclusion Grant Program 2023/24

Organisation

Project

Stream

Grant awarded (GST free)

Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre

Creation of a sensory space - Provide a safe space for community members using the centre. The space will normalise the use of sensory and emotional regulation items across the community.

1

$500

Bunbartha Recreation Reserve

Installation of a step ramp - At the main entry door to provide access for people with mobility aides e.g. wheelchairs, walking aides and young children.

1

$200

Slade Consulting

Transcending the Narrative - This project will invite neurodivergent people on a journey of writing, re-writing, and transcending their story.

1

$660

Shepparton Access

Construction of a covered parking area - To increase the safety of visitors, staff and participants at Eco Park.

2

$10,000

Shepparton Heritage Centre

Installation of access ramp - An access ramp at the History Hub, Shepparton to provide safe and easy access for all users.

2

$6,084.80

Total

$17,444.80