City’s Children’s Week Grants application deadline approaching

APPLICATIONS for this year’s City of Greater Geelong Children’s Week Grants officially close on Monday, July 31 with $10,000 on offer to community groups and organisations.

Organisations can receive up to $500 each to assist in running community events and activities for children and families within the City of Greater Geelong municipality during Children’s Week (October 21-29).

Staff members of Northern Bay College’s Family and Early Learning Centres always look forward to Children’s Week, according to Family Centre co-ordinator Helen O’Connor.

The centre was a recipient of the City’s Children’s Week Grants in 2022, hosting a Halloween party for its children to mark the occasion.

Ms O’Connor said the centre would again be applying for a grant this year, although specifics of the event are yet to be determined.

“The key element to these grants I feel is to bring children together during Children’s Week, as well as families, so we always look forward to October each year for that reason,” she said.

“We offer a range of activities during Children’s Week such as a family morning tea, a music and dance session with the senior school of Northern Bay College, and a group storytime.

“We really try to elevate our children’s sense of agency during Children’s Week and Council’s assistance through these grant programs allows us to enhance that experience.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said Children’s Week was a great opportunity to celebrate and promote contributions of young children in Geelong.

“Children’s Week is designed to celebrate and promote the unique contributions that young children make to our community and focus community attention on accessible and inclusive programs available for children from a variety of stakeholders across Geelong.

“The City of Greater Geelong is pleased to be able to support community groups and organisations in hosting events to provide for our youngest citizens.”

Children’s Week events will be advertised and promoted in the Children’s Week online Calendar.

Grant recipients can expect to be notified of their successful applications on September 22.

For more information on the Northern Bay College Early Learning and Family Centres, head to nbc.vic.edu.au/additional_facilities