Supporting local talent and passion

EVERY year, I look forward to the opening of the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants program.

It is one of the most rewarding initiatives we run because it supports the people and projects that make our region such a great place to live.

This year, $2.85 million is available for local community groups, not-for-profits, individuals, schools and businesses to deliver projects that benefit the region.

The program provides funding across a wide range of categories including Community Infrastructure, Arts Projects, Clean Economy, Climate Change Partnerships, Community Events, Environmental Sustainability, Community Strengthening, Community Equipment, Creative Seed and the Creative Commissions Program.

On the Bellarine, we have already seen the difference these grants can make.

Last year, the Ocean Grove Film Society was able to purchase a new projector and sound system through a grant.

That investment means film lovers from across the coast can now gather each month for screenings at the Bellarine Training and Community Hub.

Across the bridge, the Barwon Heads Arts Council received support to ensure the continued success of the Bellarine Arts Trail.

Every Melbourne Cup long weekend, local businesses and venues open their doors to the public for this fantastic initiative.

The 2025 event will see participation from more than 75 artists and 45 venues throughout Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

Sustainability has also been front and centre. The group 100% Clean Bellarine secured $21,500 to expand its energy assessment program enabling small businesses to improve their energy efficiency.

Parents for Climate used their grant to stage the One Planet Festival, encouraging families to take practical steps on climate action.

And the much-loved Tranquillity at Twilight in Ocean Grove Park received support to continue offering a family-friendly night of food, stalls and live music.

Larger grants have also flowed to the Bellarine in recent years.

The Bellarine Catchment Network was awarded $350,000 to upgrade the Bellarine Environment Centre, while Clifton Springs Bowling Club received $260,000 to fund a kitchen upgrade.

Sports venues have also benefited significantly, with both Ocean Grove Football and Netball Club and Barwon Heads Tennis Club receiving Community Infrastructure grants of more than $350,000 towards facilities upgrades to enable equal access.

These are significant investments that strengthen the facilities we all rely on.

In my ward of Leopold, FC Leopold received $30,000 towards the planning for its Estuary Boulevard lighting program, and the Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail received $33,800 towards the construction of a storage shed – both from the 2024-25 round of Community Grants.

Over the years, millions of dollars have been invested in community-led projects through this program.

The results speak for themselves: new facilities, stronger clubs and vibrant events and initiatives that bring people together.

With so much local talent and passion, I would love to see even more Bellarine groups benefit this year.

Applications are open now. If you have a project that will make our community stronger, greener or more creative, I encourage you to apply.

Whether it’s a new piece of equipment, an arts project, a climate change solution or a community event, these grants make a lasting difference across Greater Geelong.

You’ll need to be quick though, as the grant streams close at various times during September.

Head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to learn more, or contact the City’s grants team at [email protected] or on 5272 5560 for advice and support.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold Ward,

City of Greater Geelong