Groups, get yourself a grant

GEELONG’S northern suburbs have so many sporting, cultural and community groups doing incredible things for our local neighbourhoods.

As your Corio Ward Councillor, I’m passionate about promoting and supporting these groups in the vital work they do.

Which is why I’m urging residents, especially those in the northern suburbs, to apply for the City of Greater Geelong’s 2025-26 Community Grants.

Do you have a great idea that could benefit your community?

It could be a new festival or event to bring people together and share culture. It might be an initiative to promote creativity or help those in need.

Perhaps you can think of new equipment or a facility upgrade that would be a gamechanger for your sporting club or community organisation.

If you’re looking for inspiration, Geelong’s north is full of examples of groups and initiatives making a positive impact thanks to the latest round of Community Grants.

The 2024-25 grants have supported fantastic community events like Gateways Easter Family Fun Festival and Northern Bay College Family Learning Centre’s Harmony Day exhibition.

And for those in search of a thrill, the Norlane Spooky Skele-bration is coming up on October 31 for Halloween, thanks to a Community Events grant.

The Good Neighbourhood received a Community Grant to continue its Norlane Neighbourhood Meals.

Over two decades this incredible initiative has provided free and low-cost meals, along with social nourishment, for hundreds of families and residents in need.

North Geelong Football Netball Club received a Community Infrastructure grant to plan a kitchen upgrade, while funding also went to Geelong Pool Club to commence planning for an extension of its Corio clubrooms.

Planning work is also under way at Hendy St Hall in Corio, thanks to a Community Infrastructure grant.

This concept planning is important to understand the needs of the several cultural and community groups that use Hendy St Hall, and will provide the information needed for any future works.

Badminton Geelong – based at Leisure Time Sports Precinct – received a grant for new racquets and nets so even more junior and all-abilities players can get involved.

And Norlane West Scout Group received funding for equipment to support their Wilderness Adventure Challenge including satellite communicators and handheld radios.

These organisations help keep our residents healthy, active and socially connected, and Council has recognised their value in the 2024-25 grants.

Community Grants are spurring creativity in the northern suburbs too!

The 2024-25 grants will support Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative’s art therapy programs and Platform Arts’ ambition to create A People’s Guide to (North) Geelong.

With more than $2.8 million of funding available for 2025-26, we’re looking for the next round of big ideas, groundbreaking initiatives and deserving causes to benefit our communities.

Many Community Grants categories are still open, with the Community Equipment Grants closing on August 25 and most other categories closing on September 8.

So if you’d like to make a positive difference in your neighbourhood, I encourage you to head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to apply.