Investing in community impact

THE City’s Community Grants offer invaluable opportunities to the local clubs, organisations and community groups that make Greater Geelong such a great place to live.

They’re a chance for us to give back to those who invest so much time and energy into helping our communities thrive. It is certainly one of my favourite initiatives we have on offer.

This year, Council endorsed more than $2 million in funding to 96 applicants through Community Grants, awarding vital funding across projects in the arts, climate change partnerships, community events, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

In the Deakin ward, two projects received significant funding in the Clean Economy Grants category, supporting advancements in clean technologies and circular economy solutions.

Medsalv Australia received $18,450 for a prototype to improve the efficiency of its drying system. Medsalv specialises in producing sustainable options for medical devices while reducing healthcare waste.

This funding supports a prototype aimed at lowering costs, boosting throughput and advancing circular economy innovation. I am eager to see how these outcomes might be adopted across the broader healthcare industry.

Energy efficiency appears to be a common area of exploration in the Deakin ward.

Deakin University was also successful in its application for funding, having received $4,912 for its AI-Enabled Energy Efficiency for Manufacturing project.

This initiative uses artificial intelligence for energy monitoring and predicting maintenance needs. There are hopes this project can scale, transforming our region’s industrial sustainability.

This is the kind of innovative thinking that we really enjoy rewarding through Community Grants.

If you have a bright idea that could benefit our region, there are still opportunities to apply through other grants funding streams.

Applications for Positive Ageing Grants are now open. If you have a concept that celebrates positive ageing in our community – now is your chance!

These grants support community hosted activities and experiences such as workshops, dances, concerts and sporting activities.

Past recipients have organised seniors’ social activities, come-and-try sports days and social dances, providing valuable social connections for our residents over 55.

We have a total grant pool of $29,582 available. This includes $24,000 from the City’s grants budget and $5,682 provided by the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to support Seniors Week events in 2026.

Applicants can secure up to $1,000 to make their idea a reality. So, if you’re aged over 55 and this sounds like something you’ve been working on, I urge you to apply by 5pm on Monday 25 May.

If you have an event that benefits our region’s youngest residents, you may wish to apply for our Children’s Week grants.

These grants fund activities that connect children aged zero to 12 and their families through opportunities to celebrate, play and learn together.

Funding is available for not-for-profit organisations to deliver a wide range of events, including yoga, cooking classes, parenting sessions, dance, road safety and nature-based activities.

To be eligible for funding, proposed activities must be held during Children’s Week, on or between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November.

Applications open Saturday 9 May and will close on Monday 22 June at 5pm.

For more information about both Positive Ageing Grants and Children’s Week Grants, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/grants

I look forward to seeing these innovative projects come to life and continuing to support the dedicated community groups that make our city such a vibrant place to call home.

Cr Andrew Katos

Deakin ward,

City of Greater Geelong