Take it to the next level

DO YOU have an idea that could make a big difference for your local club or community?

Charlemont Ward is buzzing with energy! From Belmont, Marshall and Grovedale through to Armstrong Creek, our communities are packed with organisations doing incredible things.

The City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants are all about supporting their efforts to make our region a more vibrant, welcoming and inclusive place for all.

That’s why, as your Charlemont Ward councillor, I’m giving you a little nudge—don’t miss out, get your application in for the next round of funding!

Maybe your club needs a project boost or a facility upgrade to take things to the next level.

Or maybe you’re dreaming up a brand-new festival, a cultural celebration to bring people together, a creative spark, or an initiative to lend a hand to those who need it most.

Need inspiration?

You have only to look at the successful Charlemont Ward applicants for 2024-25 to see the positive difference Community Grants are already making in our community.

Our sporting clubs were among the winners in the latest round of Community Grants funding.

Armstrong Creek Sharks Football Netball Club received $400,000 to install lighting on oval 2 at Central Boulevard Reserve.

The club has more 450 registered Auskick and junior football and netball players, and this will be a game-changer for them.

The project will significantly expand the club’s ability to hold night-time training sessions, providing more opportunities for local boys and girls to lace up their boots and have a kick.

Barwon Soccer Club was successful in its bid for a Healthy & Connected Communities grant for new goals supporting its 46 junior teams.

The club has about 600 senior and junior players – including 130 women and girls – and almost 100 coaches and volunteers supporting them, and this equipment will be handy addition for its junior sides.

Belmont Croquet Club also received a Healthy & Connected Communities grant for its World Croquet Day 2025 Come and Try promotion.

The event aimed to promote awareness of croquet – a sport suitable for all ages – and support the club’s aim of attracting younger people and more diverse cultures to play.

These projects support our sporting clubs in their vital work keeping local kids and adults fit, healthy and socially connected.

Social connection is also at the heart of a $10,000 Community Events grant that Geelong RSL Sub Branch received for this year’s Anzac Day services.

These services bring us together in moment of quiet reflection to honour of those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

But they also play a powerful role in bringing veterans together and keeping them connected, which is so important for their mental health and wellbeing.

The RSL, based in Belmont at the northern end of Charlemont Ward, plays a crucial role in both organising these services and supporting our veterans all-year-round.

The 2025–26 Community Grants program offers $2.85 million in funding, so don’t miss your chance – the application window is closing soon.

Most of the remaining categories close on 8 September, while Community Infrastructure grants close on 29 September.

So if you’d like to make a positive impact in your neighbourhood, please don’t delay – head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants to apply now!