Council tops $3 million in community grants spend

NEARLY three dozen community groups, clubs and organisations across the City of Greater Geelong will share in the city’s Community Infrastructure Grant program through the city’s latest funding round.

The city’s 2022-23 Community Grants program will total more than $3 million with 44 recipients to benefit from the announcement.

This year’s most funded stream, the Community Infrastructure Grants program, will receive more than $2.615 million of Council’s $3.136 million funding pool.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the Community Grants hope to acknowledge the contributions of local community groups, clubs and organisations make to Greater Geelong each year.

“Grants are often the difference between whether a project gets off the ground or not, so Council is thrilled to be able to help,” Cr Sullivan said.

“We thank these groups for their hard work reconnecting with the community during the pandemic, helping disadvantaged community members, offering a safe space for friendship and fostering creativity, physical activity and compassion.”

The big winners of the recent funding announcement include Bell Park Sport and Recreation Club, who will receive new sports lights amounting to $350,000 at its second oval on the Western Heights Secondary College grounds.

Bellarine Catchment Network has also received $350,000 to update the Bellarine Environment Centre. Clifton Springs Bowling Club’s slightly smaller $260,000 grant will enable a kitchen upgrade for its users.

Other recipients include the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club ($146,799) to upgrade lights to LED, Club Italia Geelong ($50,000) to replace a power board, and 1st Barwon Heads Scouts ($32,482) for a feasibility study into a new Barwon Heads Scout Hall.

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the Community Grants will hopefully enable community groups to make the necessary changes over the next year.

“By expanding opportunities for our community, we are helping to foster and invest in a more resilient and inclusive Greater Geelong.”

“Council is proud to invest significant funds into Community Infrastructure, First Nations Cultural Heritage and Geelong Heritage through our annual budget, which the community will benefit greatly from for years to come.”

Applications for the 2022-23 program opened on June 4 2022 and closed after 11 weeks on August 22, 2022.