Lazarus Community Centre gets $350,000 city grant

A VITAL service supporting homeless people in Geelong has received much-needed funding in the latest round of the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants.

The Lazarus Community Centre is entirely community-funded, and deputy chair Gareth Kent says the $350,000 Community Infrastructure Grant is the first time a government body has provided financial support to the centre.

Based in central Geelong and open seven days a week, the centre has helped about 7,000 people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage over the past 12 months – including a record 852 in November alone – and will use the grant to upgrade its kitchen, bathroom and dining facilities.

The Lazarus team officially received the grant from the city at a ceremony just before the centre’s annual Christmas lunch, held last week.

At the same ceremony, Volume Group chief executive officer Dean Montgomery revealed the community house’s lease would be fixed at $1 per annum for the next two decades, and Mr Kent paid the rent in advance with a $20 note.

Mr Kent said the two announcements would make a major impact on the Geelong community, and especially those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

“Lazarus Community Centre has become an important piece in the ability for the community to access those that are disadvantaged and provide them with connection back into society.”

He said the centre gave people access to multiple housing providers such as Neami, Home Haven and the Salvation Army, and also provided a place for nurses and doctors from Barwon Health to reach both homeless and socially isolated people, which also included delivering COVID-19 vaccines.

“Lazarus has become a hub, a connection place, and a place where love and support can be provided to those who need it the most.”

Other speakers at last week’s event included Corio federal member Richard Marles, who has volunteered at Lazarus during the year; and Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan.

The city announced last week it had endorsed the awarding of 34 Community Infrastructure Grants and five Geelong Heritage Grants totalling more than $3 million.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher thanked all applicants for putting forward their projects, which were assessed by an independent panel.

“Congratulations to the 40 successful grant applicants and thank you to the independent panel for their work in assessing applications against the relevant criteria.

“The Greater Geelong community will benefit greatly from these diverse, inclusive projects initiated by a broad range of clubs and organisations and supported by the city through the three funding streams.

“We recognise how important it is for our community to reconnect and re-energise after the challenges of the past two years; these projects can bring clubs and facilities back to life and inspire people to get involved.

“Cricket nets and bowling greens at Lara, new fencing for the Grovedale Community Garden, a workshop extension for the Bellarine Woodworkers, a master plan to upgrade Geelong’s ballroom dance facilities and a refurbishment of the Hellenic Orthodox community hall are just some of the fantastic projects the Community Infrastructure Grants will support.”

For more information about the grants and the full list of successful 2021-22 Community Grant applicants, head to the City of Greater Geelong’s website.