Community Grants support local projects

Hepburn Shire Council’s latest round of Community Grants will support sustainability initiatives, protect heritage, encourage sport and recreation, boost children’s programs, support local agriculture, enhance events and more.  

Councillors recently met with representatives from the successful groups to congratulate them on receiving the first round of community grants for 2024.  

“We are very pleased to award more than $17,000 to community groups who are doing fantastic work in their communities,” said Cr Brian Hood, Mayor of Hepburn Shire. 

“These funds complement the extraordinary contribution of volunteers who support so many important events and programs in our Shire,” he said. 

“Their hard work continues to enhance the social, environmental and economic life of our Shire.” 

Representatives from the successful community groups, Councillors and Council staff met at the historic Trentham Railway Station to celebrate and acknowledge the recipients for Round 1 in 2023/24.  

“Over 30 members of the local community groups were able to attend this event. One of the grant recipients for Round 1 was the Trentham Rail and Tram Association, who manage the historic Trentham Railway Station site. Thank you to the association for hosting the event and giving attendees a tour of the historic station, along with explaining their plans and vision for its future,” said Cr Hood. 

The successful projects in this Round 1 are: 

Creswick Neighbourhood Centre – Lift-up for all - $1,500  Clunes and District Agricultural Society – Outdoor games for children - $1,850  Trentham Rail and Tram Association – Heritage Preservation Storage - $4,910  Daylesford and District Agricultural Society – Purchase of Marquees, tables, and Chairs - $2,100  Trentham Sustainability Group - Purchase of items for Trentham Fashion Swap - $1,897  Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club – Replacement Ride-on lawn Mower - $5,000 

The Community Grants Program aligns with the Council Plan action to support the strength and resilience of the community. Eligible community groups can access funds in three rounds annually across six categories that support a range of community needs. 

“We are excited to work with our Shire’s community groups to deliver important projects and achieve positive outcomes for the community. I strongly encourage community groups to get involved and apply for future rounds,” said Cr Hood. 

Round two for 2023/2024 Community Grants is currently open and closes on 12 February.