Sparking community ideas

COMMUNITY Bank Buninyong’s SparkTank initiative is returning, with $50,000 of community investment funding available.

Applications will be open from Monday 14 April until Sunday 8 June, and community groups, organisations and clubs from the greater Ballarat region can apply.

Community Bank Buninyong’s partnership lead Kelly Bevan said SparkTank is about supporting local, fresh and impactful ideas.

“We’ve distributed more than $2.25 million into community-driven projects and SparkTank is all about taking that impact to the next level,” she said.

“It’s an exciting way to engage new groups, support diverse ideas and see first-hand the passion our community has for making a difference.

“Last year was the first time we ran SparkTank and it was so good, we can’t wait to do it again.”

At last year’s event, Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre received $6500 and $90 community cash to develop a fruity forest, which will be planted this winter.

Executive officer Vicki Coltman said the orchard is part of a 10-year urban farming project which aims to help community members access fresh food.

“This is around creating food security for our community because our community does experience high levels of food insecurity,” she said.

“Our urban farm would be something that creates employment, training, community connection; it’s a range of things.”

Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre gardening tutor Matt Rowbottom encouraged community groups to apply for SparkTank.

“What struck me most was that those who were seeking funding got to find out about the other groups who were also very much deserving of funding,” he said.

“Often times the groups that are seeking funding will submit an application but be pretty much unaware of who else is out there.

“It was a great networking opportunity, and we discovered potential opportunities through that for collaboration.”

Successful applicants will pitch their idea to a panel of judges on Monday 4 August. To apply, visit the SparkTank website.