Council award $119,000 to local community groups and organisations

A TOTAL of 26 local clubs and organisations will share in over $119,000 of fundingfrom the second round of the City of Greater Geelong’s 2022/23 Community Grants program.

The grants were valued up to $10,000 and benefitted organisations working in the Environmental Sustainability or Healthy and Connected Communities categories.

Those to benefit the most from the second round grants include the Norlane Community Centre who will use their $10,000 towards their successful Zero Waste Action Station and the Rotary Club of Geelong who will use the same funding to set up a pilot program across Geelong which will assist with recycling pharmaceutical blister packs.

The Eastern Hub and the Geelong’s Fight Parkinson’s charity group also received grants and will use their funding to support their own community-based projects and workshops.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the council was pleased to support many clever community initiatives that have positive impacts on the Greater Geelong region.

“Community groups and clubs make a huge contribution to the Geelong region; they bring people together as well as fostering creativity, physical activity and in many cases look to assist disadvantaged members of our communities.”

“Grants often make the difference of whether a community project gets up and running or not, and council is delighted to be able to assist in this way.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken also echoed Sullivan’s sentiment and said the grants process was a great way to recognise the huge contributions of community groups within the region.

“Our volunteer groups are essential to the social fabric of our region and often have a big impact with limited budgets.

“Council’s community grants programs demonstrate Council’s commitment to empowering these groups to carry out their important work in connecting community members and also in protecting our unique natural environment.”

All grants were assessed by an independent panel using set criteria before endorsed by the council.

Information on upcoming community grants can be found at https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/default.aspx