Council, windfarm give out grant money

GRANTS for non-profits and community groups have been given thanks to programs from the Golden Plains Shire and Berrybank Wind Farm.

More than $50,000 has been allocated through the inaugural round of the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants initiative while the municipality’s second round of Community Strengthening Grants doled out nearly $67,000.

The Berrybank funding is being distributed amongst four groups with $10,000 going to the Cressy and District History Group for a water tower mural and $1540 for a PA speaker for Geelong Landcare Network.

For long-term projects, Golden Plains Arts Inc will be given nearly $27,000 to deliver their arts trail while the Teesdale Community Event Group are being awarded more than $13,000 for their Teesdale Twilight Market and Carols event.

Funding for both initiatives will be phased in annually for up to three years.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the Berrybank Wind Farm’s funding initiative is a great asset for the community.

“Council is pleased to administer the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program which provides additional funding opportunities to support more fantastic events and projects in the Shire,” he said.

Meanwhile, the municipality’s Community Strengthening grants were handed out to seventeen organisations to assist in short-term projects.

Initiatives ranged from delivering the Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta to installing address signage throughout Cape Clear to a greenhouse for Lethbridge Primary School.

A full list of projects and recipients can be found at the Golden Plains Shire website.

The municipality estimated the 17 projects will bring more than $150,000 to the surrounding communities alongside more than 2100 hours of volunteering.

Cr Cunningham said the program has provided support throughout the region for many years.

“The Community Strengthening Grants program has been a valuable source of financial support for local events, projects and programs in Golden Plains Shire communities for 26 years,” he said.

“These projects directly benefit our Shire communities and I look forward to seeing the completed projects, that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”