Financial help on offer for community groups

THE City of Mount Gambier’s Grants and Sponsorship Program helps turn local ideas into reality, supporting projects, events and infrastructure that strengthen community connections, enhance liveability and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

Applications for round one of the program are now open until Friday, July 31, across five funding streams including Corporate Sponsorship, Community Event Grant, Community Strengthening Grant, Creative Arts Fund and Sport and Recreation Capital Works.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the program plays an important role in supporting initiatives that contribute to the city’s liveability, community wellbeing and local economy.

“Council’s Grants and Sponsorship Program is a fantastic program that supports well developed initiatives and events that bring people together, strengthen community connections and deliver lasting value to our city,” Mayor Martin said.

“Council invests heavily into our grants and sponsorship program because we know our community led initiatives can deliver so much with financial contributions, and this ensures our future is directly aligned with community needs.

“Each year we see creative and impactful applications put forward, and we’re excited to see what this round will deliver.”

Apollo Football Club received $50,000 through the 2024/2025 Sport and Recreation Capital Works program to upgrade its club room and change facilities at Hastings Cunningham Reserve.

Council’s contribution formed part of the club’s successful funding application which secured $386,800 through the State Government’s 2024/25 Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program.

Apollo Football Club committee member Jerome England said council’s support was pivotal in the development of the new facilities.

“The City of Mount Gambier Grants Program has been instrumental in helping Apollo Football Club deliver modern, inclusive facilities for our community. The new female-friendly change rooms will encourage greater participation by women and girls, improve the experience for all members, and strengthen our club for many years to come,” Mr England said.

Mayor Martin said the new facilities were a significant step forward for Apollo football club and Hastings Cunningham Reserve.

“The modern, inclusive and accessible change rooms ensure players have the facilities they deserve, allowing everyone to participate fully, safely and with dignity in the sport they love,” Mayor Martin said.

“Importantly, this investment recognises the growing strength and success of women’s football, and the need for infrastructure that supports participation at all levels, from juniors to senior competition.”

Applications must meet eligibility requirements and adhere to the Grants and Sponsorship Program Guidelines. For further information and to download an application form, visit Grants and Sponsorship.

Completed applications and supporting documentation should be submitted via email to [email protected].

Applications close at 5pm on Friday, July 31.