Fighting for Geelong’s eastern suburbs

THERE is a great joy in seeing community groups and sports clubs receive funding for projects.

These institutions are largely run by volunteers, and the work and effort that goes into applying for grants of various sizes and from different levels of government is enormous.

So when those applications are successful, it’s only natural to feel excited for them. For me this is particularly true when the clubs and groups are local to my area.

When I stood for Council, I made it a priority to fight for Geelong’s eastern suburbs, a commitment I am determined to keep.

So it’s been wonderful to see the number of clubs across the 3219 postcode receive funding recently.

Just last year, the Eastern Park Lawn Bowls Club ($23,837), Thomson Cricket Club ($14,385), Geelong City Cricket Club ($53,600), Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club ($50,000), and Geelong BMX Club ($16,560) were successful with their applications for Council’s community infrastructure grants.

In total there was full and partial funding for 31 approved applications in 2023-24, and the value of these grants – $2,764,090 – covered a vast array of projects.

In 2024-25 we’ve increased this to a total of $3 million and increased the available funding for individual applications to $400,000 – up from $350,000.

The community infrastructure grants program is designed to assist eligible clubs and groups to plan or deliver new or upgraded community facilities.

There is still plenty of time to submit your application before the closing date for community infrastructure grants on Monday, August 19. I encourage you to visit the community grants website geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to explore the ways Council can support your club or group.

There are many other ways local groups and clubs can benefit from government funding outside of Council’s grants process.

You might be aware that the state and federal governments offer their own grants, via numerous streams, to councils across the state and the country.

I have been passionate about pushing for the eastern suburbs to receive a greater share in this funding for the benefit of the community.

One such project is at Aldershot Reserve.

Earlier this year Council announced that we would build a fenced dog park with thanks to $989,141 from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund.

The park is part of the reserve master plan, and will feature separate areas for active dogs and those who need a more relaxed space, as well as additional parkland, interconnected paths and furniture. The dog park is now completed and is only weeks away from being officially opened and ready for use. Like many locals, I look forward to using the dog park at Aldershot Reserve when it opens.

Council’s 2024-25 budget included funding for the next stage of master plan works at Aldershot Reserve, including the long-awaited playground upgrade.

So, just as we help support community clubs and groups, it’s important to acknowledge the funding provided by the state and federal governments for projects such as this to come to life.

If you want to know more about this or other projects in eastern Geelong, or you have other queries about Council please get in touch with me. Phone 0403 821 309, or email [email protected]

Cr Melissa Cadwell

Brownbill Ward,

City of Greater Geelong