Grants are making a difference

THERE has been much to celebrate in our region in recent weeks, with major events and a run of beautiful summer weather attracting visitors from across the country.

At a local level, I was so pleased that Council approved the latest round of grants at our January meeting.

In total, 31 projects were allocated funding to support a range of organisations and activities, which was spread across community infrastructure and Geelong heritage grants.

We awarded more than $2.764 million as part of the latest round, with a number of extremely worthy recipients.

In the Brownbill Ward, one such organisation to receive funding was the Chilwell Community Garden.

The $69,300 will go towards upgrades for water connection, fence construction, shed placement, and the addition of a roof and veranda to its facilities.

I had the pleasure of working with the Chilwell Community Garden throughout its application, and the members are a wonderful group of people with a strong community focus.

It was rewarding to be involved in their efforts and I know the money will mean more to them than many might imagine.

And that is the beauty of the community grants program.

Despite the variances in funding received – which is all to do with the nature of the projects being undertaken – those who are successful are always so grateful.

Another project I wanted to highlight was the Geelong Ballroom Dance Club.

I visited this site two years ago with fellow Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj and it was like stepping back in time.

The people at the club were so welcoming and friendly, but the facilities were tired and in need of a freshen up.

So, when I saw the Geelong Ballroom Dance Club was successful in its application for a grant of $350,000, I was delighted.

The money will go towards works on stage one of the Kendall Room development, and upgrades to the office space and ramps.

These works support the Hamlyn Reserve Masterplan 2023, which ensures there will be a co-ordinated approach to the future development of this space.

Among other recipients of funding were the Geelong Gaels ($350,000) for upgrades to lights at Hurst Reserve and the Newtown City Hockey Club ($350,000) for stage two of the Alan Barnes Pavilion redevelopment.

The money allocated for these projects aims to ensure Council continues to service both the current and future sport and recreation participation and facility demands in our region, as well as optimise the use of activity areas and deliver long-term sustainability for clubs and participants.

I want to congratulate all clubs and groups on their successful grants applications and wish them the very best with their projects.

There will be some organisations who have missed out this time, but I encourage the people working and volunteering for those groups to reach out to Council officers to see what they can do next time to help their application.

There are typically more applications than we have capacity to satisfy, however, it is important to persist because there are further opportunities for funding.

For more information on our grants program, and to see the recipients, please head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants where a detailed list will be published.

Cr Peter Murrihy

Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong