Cash for community organisations

CORIO MP Richard Marles is encouraging local community organisations to put their hand up for funding if they have a small capital works project or equipment they need to give their group a boost.

Expressions of Interest for round seven of the federal government Stronger Communities Program are now open for community groups in the Corio electorate.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 will be available for small capital works projects and some types of equipment.

“In the past, these grants have been successful in helping a range of organisations across Geelong, including a coach’s box upgrade at the North Shore Football Club and a youth wellbeing zone at CentreStage theatre company,” Mr Marles said.

“Grants can have a big impact in the community and these will help build back community groups activities.”

More than 12,000 community-based projects have been funded through the program, including upgrades to community halls and clubhouses, equipment for both aged care and day care facilities, men’s sheds and associated equipment, scoreboards, computers, inflatable rescue boats and disaster recovery generators.

Community input is a key element of the program. Projects are selected by MPs and their community consultation committees, and are then submitted to the government for assessment.

Expressions of interest for the program close at 5pm on December 1, with further information available online at richardmarles.com.au/grants/grant/stronger-communities-programme-2021.