Shire gives out some small grants

THE creation of a virtual European tour for aged care residents and installation of disability inclusive play equipment at a preschool are among successful projects in the Surf Coast Shire’s latest Small Grants Program round.

Building of a replica 1920s bathing box in Torquay and installation of streetscape art in Anglesea are also among 19 community projects spread across the municipality, which will share in $35,686 in allocations.

Shire mayor David Bell said the grants would help mobilise important community work.

“We are very pleased to be issuing these grants, supporting organisations which are often unheralded but contribute so much to our communities, and to community connections.

“The projects endorsed represent the categories of arts and culture, community initiative, recreation and leisure and environment.

“They help fulfil our ambition of empowering people to take action building vibrant and healthy communities.”

The council will recognise the March round small grant recipients at a ceremony on June 14.

Projects to receive grants in the March round are:

• Ocean Mind youth program Torquay – foam surf boards ($3,000)
• Business and Tourism Anglesea – streetscape art ($4,500)
• Repair Café Surfcoast – venue hire, signs, printing ($2,000)
• Moriac Preschool – disability inclusion playground equipment ($1,859)
• Anglesea Men’s Shed – first aid course ($1,020)
• Anglesea Kindergarten – pre-school swing installation and landscaping ($4,730)
• Aireys Inlet Combined Churches – Hearing For Our Community headsets ($890)
• Working Equitation Geelong – lightweight jumping poles ($1,000)
• Probus Club of Torquay Jan Juc – effective communication project ($1,300)
• ANGAIR – taxidermy project ($500)
• Torquay Historical Society – bathing box display ($3500)
• Bonnie Upwelling – Christmas Carolvan ($500)
• Anglesea and District Historical Society – photo display ($576)
• U3A Surfcoast – office administration laptops ($1,500)
• Freshwater Creek Riding Club – safer jump installations ($1,311)
• Lorne Community Hospital – virtual Europe tour ($2,000)
• Jan Juc Preschool – wildflowers sculpture garden ($2,500)
• City Harvest Freshwater Creek – support community market garden ($2,000), and
• Writers Victoria – Words from the Surf Coast Arts Trail ($1,000).