Projects benefit from 2024 Community Grants, flood support programs

Published on 08 July 2024

Twenty-seven local projects will share in more than $106,000 of funding thanks to the Gannawarra Shire Council Community Grants Program and the municipality’s Flood Recovery Program.

Council received 37 applications, totalling $171,374.10, for its annual Community Grants program during a four-week application period, with the 2024 program’s application period held during April and May for the first time in the program’s history.

“Thank you to the numerous community groups that applied for funding via our popular Community Grants program,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.

“Following a review of the program, applications and assessment of submissions occurred earlier in the year than usual, which will enable successful community groups more time to deliver on their projects.”

Council approved a recommendation at its June 2024 meeting to award $49,740.20 of funding from its 2024 Community Grants Program to 14 projects that met the program’s essential criteria and aligned with the community vision outlined in the Growing Gannawarra – 2021-2025 Council Plan.

Five projects, including facility refurbishments and community garden restoration, received the maximum contribution of $5,000, with the program also supporting equipment purchases and community programs.

“Council thanks all groups that submitted a request for funding and looks forward to seeing the projects that have received funding come to fruition,” Mayor Stanton said.

Councillors also requested for additional events and projects be referred to the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee for consideration as part of the Flood Recovery Program. The 13 projects that were endorsed to receive funding included disaster management workshops and training, community support programs, food assistance, and community celebrations.

“By recommending these additional events, programs and activities to be supported by Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee as part of the Flood Recovery Program, it will mean that there are additional opportunities for residents to come together, which in turn builds community connections and resilience,” Mayor Stanton said.

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 2024 Community Grants Program stream and Flood Recovery programs are: