Local groups say shire grants are ace

MORE than 30 community groups and schools have received funding through the Surf Coast Shire’s revamped grants program so far this financial year.

The shire held a celebration event at its council chambers in Torquay North on Wednesday this week to showcase the benefits of the $43,687 in grants.

One of those 31 groups was Surf Coast Tennis Club, which received a $1,110 small equipment grant to replace its nets.

Club vice president Peter Hubacek welcomed the funding for the quick response grant.

“The club has three venues – Bellbrae, Jan Juc and Torquay – so it’s great for our members, and also for the public who hire the courts,” he said.

“Funding like this is extremely important for the club because it means that we can now spend money in other areas, like seating and shading.

“We’re so grateful the council could help us out.

“We hope it will help us on our membership drive at the end the year, when we want to increase our membership, which currently sits at 780.”

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison said grants ceremonies were always so affirming.

“Not only do they help to uncover the people behind these fantastic community groups and the work they do, they also give us a chance as a council to walk with them some of the way towards their goal.”

From helping to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, to funding a men’s group with a focus on mental health, the most recent grant recipients share the same purpose: helping communities to thrive.

The revamped grants program provides a more accessible and flexible process for community groups to seek financial support.

“These grants, in many ways, are like a pulse test, and once again, the recipients have let us know that the pulse of the community is vibrant and strong,” Cr Pattison said.

“They show us time and time again how much people care about each other in this community – that they’re willing to roll up their sleeves, to get involved, to do the work.

“We as a council couldn’t be happier to be supporting these very worthy recipients.”

For a full list of grant recipients from July 1 this year, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/grants