Grants open across Strathfieldsaye

COMMUNITY groups in Strathfieldsaye can now apply for the latest round of grants for projects and activities that contribute to the region’s development.

The Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise is currently accepting grant applications for up to $5000.

Vice chair of SDCE, Kat Charnas, said since 2004 the group has given back about $1.5 million to the community.

“Every year it’s different, it’s really interesting to see what the community puts forward for their ideas of what they’d like funded,” she said.

“We’ve funded defib machines, water tanks at Mandurang South Recreation Reserve, a mower for the Strathfieldsaye Dodgers Baseball Club, replacement of cricket nets and a footpath in Redesdale.”

Last year, the enterprise worked with Impact Recovery to renovate part of the Koolamurt Park Scout Camp as part of a Work for the Dole scheme.

Grant applications have also been accepted for programs such as the Bendigo Baptist Care peer support counselling service.

The group covers Eppalock, Redesdale, Sedgewick, Mandurang, Spring Gully, Quarry Hill, Bendigo East, Junortoun and Axedale and with money coming from Bendigo Bank and Bendigo Telco.

Bendigo Telco partners with four community enterprises in Greater Bendigo and 13 across the state.

Funding comes from Telco giving a portion of revenue earned from customer’s bills to a community enterprise which can be selected when signing up.

SDCE can also fund larger projects, such as a $50,000 accessible footpath project almost completed at St Francis of the Field Primary School.

Grant applications close on 23 May and can be made at strathfieldsaye.com.au/apply.