COGG community grants open

THE City of Greater Geelong (COGG) has opened applications for its 2022-23 community grants round, with a funding pool of $4.5 million available for 13 separate grant schemes.

COGG is urging residents, community groups, organisations and businesses to assess their eligibility for the various streams that start with up to $500 for grassroots activities through to $350,000 for community infrastructure projects that are ready to go.

The recent Journey on Wadawurrung Country exhibition at Drysdale’s Potato Shed is an example of projects that can be assisted by the grants scheme.

Timed to coincide with Reconciliation Week, the Bellarine Landcare Group secured $10,000 from last year’s Healthy Connected Communities Grant to assist with the show that incorporated photographic prints, sound recordings and interviews of Wadawurrung Elders and their country.

A 22kW solar system to power the Hamlyn Heights Hall was similarly made possible through a $10,000 grant awarded to the Geelong Ballroom Dance Club and the Batesford, Stonehaven, Fyansford Landcare Group weed control and revegetation of the Moorabool River Reserve has been assisted by $8,580 from the Environmental Sustainability Grants stream.

“Community groups are volunteer-run on a shoestring budget, which is why we hope these grants will relieve some financial pressure to deliver some very important projects,” councillor Anthony Aitken said.

The Bellarine’s Shedding the Blues group that seeks to improve mental health through music was assisted in its work via a community events grant of $4,000 to stage its Tune Up event.

“Particularly during COVID time, it allowed us to cheer people up by bringing music into their lives,” the group’s Des Gorman said.

A new addition to this year’s round is the Climate Change Partnership fund, with $100,000 available for projects that complement council’s aim to become a zero emission, climate-ready region.

With the grants regularly oversubscribed and application periods varying for each funding stream, council is urging people to register their interest early by visiting geelongaustralia.com.au/grants.