Much-needed funds for community groups

FIFTEEN local groups have shared a total of $116,656 in funding from the City of Greater Bendigo’s medium Community Grants Program to undertake a range of projects.

COGB Healthy Communities and Environment acting director Andie West said the funding is very important for many local organisations to undertake activities that benefit many community members.

“The City’s medium grants category provides up to $10,000 to support activities that align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo Council Plan 2021-2025 (Mir wimbul),” Ms West said.

“(It’s) an important program that has benefited many diverse groups over a long period of time.”

Beneficiaries include the Discovery Science and Technology Museum, which received $8730 to deliver its Beyond Curious – innovation STEM and literacy program, and the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society, which received $6156 to develop a free-of-charge Kids Zone for the 2025 Bendigo Show.

Eaglehawk North Primary School was granted $7838, which will go towards the implementation of a kitchen garden, while the Ex-Fortuna Survey Association received $7100 to digitise and preserve a series of historical film negatives and slides.

Bendigo Region Women’s Shed and Huntly Men’s Shed received $9000 and $8341 apiece, while Lifeline Loddon Mallee received $6500 to support the recruitment and training of volunteers.

Meanwhile, the Star Cinema Community Association was granted $5320 to support the running of the Eaglehawk Film Festival, and Ostomates – Bendigo Stoma Support Group $1650 to support participant education and the operation of the organisation.