Health and Wellbeing Fund wraps up

BELLARINE Community Health is wrapping up its Health and Wellbeing Fund.

At a recent BCH Board meeting, the directors voted to close the fund to new applicants.

The decision was made in response to overwhelming community feedback at the BCH Community Conversations held last October.

“The previous BCH Board established this fund in 2015 in recognition of previous community fundraising efforts for aged care facilities,” BCH Board Chair Margaret Belfrage said.

“A total of $1.2 million was set aside for community projects that would improve the health and wellbeing of people living and working on the Bellarine.”

Since its establishment, there have been two funding rounds with a total of 43 projects approved for funding.

Almost $333,000 has been allocated to community groups across the Bellarine.

“We are extremely grateful for the considerable work and effort that has gone into establishing the fund,” Ms Belfrage said.

“On behalf of the Board I want to publicly thank the Independent Advisory Committee led by Chair Garry Royal for the work done to establish the terms of reference and assess the applications in the first two funding rounds.”

All currently approved projects will continue to be funded until the end of their project term.

The decision regarding the remaining funds is under consideration.

The Board will consult with BCH members, the broader community, and the BCH Consumer and Community Advisory Group, in regards to the best and most appropriate use of these funds.

Bellarine Community Health is working towards another series of Community Conversations later in the year.