Windfall for Mount Gambier projects & events

Almost $240,000 in cash and more than $40,000 in-kind assistance will be distributed to 28 events, projects and programs across nine funding streams in the first round of the newly revamped 2024/2025 City of Mount Gambier Grants and Sponsorship program.

The program is now split into two funding rounds per year and assists eligible groups and individuals with funds and in-kind support to host community events, upgrade infrastructure, or facilitate art projects to meet community needs and improve quality of life in accordance with council’s strategic plan.

City of Mount Gambier Manager Economy, Strategy and Engagement Biddie Shearing said the program ensured funding was administered in a responsible, just, transparent and equitable manner to all groups and individuals in the community.

The Grants and Sponsorship assessment panel comprised five staff and elected members.

They met three times to assess the applications using a structured evaluation matrix, which generated a ranking based on how well each application met the predetermined criteria.

Key factors considered included economic impact of the event, as well as its long-term sustainability to ensure lasting benefits for the community.

Minor Events Grant Up to $2000 in funds will be provided to community organisations to support the delivery of community events with demonstrated benefit to Mount Gambier.

Seven of the eight submissions were successful in a bid for council funds:

Department of Education – South East Primary Schools Music Festival – $2000 cash.

The Inside Line Inc – Inside Line Downhill Mountain Bike – $1300 cash and $1065 in- kind.

Mount Gambier Legends Baseball Club – $1000 cash and $489 in-kind.

South Coast Cycling – Track Cycling Carnival – $900 cash and $400 in-kind.

Mount Gambier Community RSL – Remembrance Day – $1130 in-kind.

Lake City Rodders – Valentines Rod Run – $500 cash.

K9’s with KAZ – $400 in-kind.

Major Events Grant

Between $2001 and $15,000 in funds will be provided to major/significant events held within the region to attract substantial economic benefit and visitation to Mount Gambier.

All 10 submissions will provided with financial and in-kind support including:

Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West – Party in the Park – $3200 cash and $1170 in-kind.

Mount Gambier A&H Society Inc – Mount Gambier 163rd Spring Show – $2243 in-kind.

Mount Gambier Disc Golf – 2024 Eruption – $2500 cash and $1300 in-kind.

Mount Gambier Ministers Association – Blue Lake Carols – $5000 cash and $661 in-kind.

Basketball Mount Gambier Inc – Junior Basketball Tournament – $2000 cash.

Lakes Rotary Mount Gambier – Blue Lake Fun Run – $12,200 cash.

South Gambier Football Club – Mount Gambier Rodeo – $6900 and $947 in-kind.

Port MacDonnell Bayside Festival Association Inc – Port MacDonnell Bayside Festival – $3850 cash and $1957 in-kind.

Mount Gambier Community RSL Anzac Day Memorial Service and Parade – $2300 cash and $3450 in-kind.

Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce Mount Gambier Christmas Parade Business Boost Event – $3865 in-kind.

Corporate Sponsorship

More than $15,000 in funds will be allocated to large scale signature events or programs that have the potential to be regionally, nationally or internationally significant and provide substantial visitation, media coverage, profiling opportunities and positive economic impact for Mount Gambier.

Four submissions from the eight received will be awarded funding or in-kind support, including:

Beer & BBQ – South East Beer & BBQ Fest – $15,000 cash and $10,000 in-kind.

Australian International Pedal Prix – City of Mount Gambier – $15,000 cash and $625 in-kind.

South Eastern Automobile Club – Legend of the Lakes Hillclimb – $5400 in-kind.

Limestone Coast Festivals and Events – Fantasy Medieval – $15,000 cash and $5226 in-kind.

Following discussion at the September Council meeting, council will invite the Generations in Jazz committee and the Fringe Mount Gambier committee to present a three-to-five-year business plan and funding models at an elected member briefing to be held before the end of the calendar year.

Council will also seek further information from Mount Gambier Community Management Inc. and Mount Gambier Swimming Club regarding their applications and the information will be presented to the assessment panel for a recommendation.

Minor Community Strengthening Grant

Up to $1500 in funds for community projects that support community quality of life, increase the usage of community facilities and/or encourage people to participate in community services and activities and was awarded to one of four submissions:

CareFlight – Trauma Care Workshop – $1500 cash.

Major Community Strengthening Grant

A major grant valued at $10,000 will be provided to The Stand Like Stone Foundation to support quality of life and encourage people to participate in community services.

Creative Arts Fund

Two projects will receive funds for creative public art in this round, including:

Pariya Ziakas and Ruth Stephenson – Artists’ Residency Project – Space and Place – $23,500 cash.

Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation – The Faces of Our Elders – $19,155 cash.

Sport and Recreation Capital Works Fund

Three local clubs will receive funds to assist in the development of, and/or capital renewal, of sport and recreation infrastructure within Mount Gambier, including:

North Gambier Football and Netball Club – Vansittart Park scoreboard upgrade – $12,000 cash.

Apollo Football Club – Female friendly and inclusive amenities – $50,000 cash.

Mount Gambier and District Tennis Association – Olympic Park Tennis Complex Lighting Upgrade – $35,000 cash.

Round two of the Grants and Sponsorship Program will open for applications in February 2025.