Golden Plains Shire groups get grants

SEVENTEEN community groups are the latest beneficiaries of the Golden Plains Shire’s Community Strengthening Grants program.

Under the Healthy Active Living category, Maude Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and Meredith Cricket Club will update their respective cricket nets, Rokewood Kindergarten will get outdoor blinds and Bannockburn and District Netball Association is developing a community grandstand.

Other category recipients include Woady Yaloak Athletics Club, given $1,980 to enhance seating at their home Recreation Reserve, and Hands of Change initiative, the Meredith Community Garden, given $5,000.

Peter Luke, WYA coordinator said 25 new families have joined the club this season.

“That’s huge for us, and very exciting,” he said.

“With this grant, we’ll be able to finish activities of a night and families can hang around to socialise, with the picnic tables, barbecues and chairs.”

Hands of Change director, Linda Wong said the team developing Meredith Community Garden, including Meredith Primary School and Meredith Lions Club, feels “very supported by council.”

“It’s great that they see what we’re trying to do; creating something that brings various groups of the community together,” she said.

“The extra funds will allow us to get extra bits and pieces we were holding off on ahead of the launch, like our Garden Shed.”

In the Creative Community space, Mannibadar Hall Committee will celebrate their soldier settlement centenary, and the Linton Cemetery Trust will focus on a Chinese memorial plaque and landscaping, while Life Saving Victoria will facilitate safety and first aid courses, and Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed will install a security system under the Community Safety category.

More grants were distributed under the Environment and Sustainability banner with funds for the Garibaldi Landcare Group’s Hardies Hill Reserve Wetlands restoration, Inverleigh Golf Club’s watering project will be boosted, Linton and District Progress Association will enhance the biodiversity of Edinburgh Reserve, and the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group will replace planting tools.

Batesford Fyansford Stonehaven Landcare is developing the biodiversity at Red Gum Reserve, Bannockburn Community Planning Group will arbour Milton Street, and the Geelong Sustainability Group will purchase community solar technology in bulk.

Golden Plains Shire mayor, Cr Helena Kirby congratulated the successful groups which were announced at the last council meeting.

“From projects in Haddon to Maude, it is terrific for council to be able to support these well-deserving community groups to deliver a fantastic list of projects for our communities in all corners of the Shire,” she said.

“The $71,928 awarded in this round follows the $74,284 allocated by council to 16 community groups during the first round of this year’s grants program in July.

“All of us at council are looking forward to seeing these projects come to life over the next year.”

For more information on specific funding figures, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news.