Shire rolls out $200,000 more in COVID-19 support

THE Surf Coast Shire council will roll out another $200,000 in grant programs to support artists and individual small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new Creative Communities Fund will offer grants up to $20,000, while the Individual Small Business Fund will offer grants of up to $5,000.

At their meeting last week, councillors resolved to deliver the programs from its COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Fund, alongside a $18,260 grant to not-for-profit youth mental health organisation Ocean Mind.

Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the new programs were focused on areas of the economy and community to provide maximum benefit in recovery.

The Creative Communities Fund aims to help rejuvenate and strengthen the local arts and cultural sector, with objectives including providing opportunities for leading and emerging artists, and encouraging initiatives that celebrate Aboriginal cultural heritage and increase cultural awareness.

“We are fortunate to have such a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene in Surf Coast Shire and it has been exciting to see events gradually returning with COVIDSafe precautions,” Cr Stapleton said.

“The Creative Communities Fund might be able to help cover things like artist fees, materials for new works, costs related to artist-in-residence programs, venue hire and activities associated with exhibitions and performances.

“Council is really pleased to be able to offer support in this way, recognising the importance of the sector in social and economic terms.”

Cr Gary Allen said the fund would play an important role in aiding wider community recovery.

“Creation of this fund recognises what the arts bring to our communities in terms of connecting people, providing fulfilment, expanding creative horizons, enhancing wellbeing and generating economic activity,” he said.

“It also recognises that many organisations and individuals have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, yet largely overlooked by other levels of government.

“We are proud to be offering this support and stimulus across our shire.

This funding follows $30,000 the council committed from the COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Fund in September 2020 to continue the online arts program PORTAL.

Cr Stapleton said the Individual Small Business Support Fund would support Surf Coast small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, support innovation and build capacity following the pandemic.

“The fund will have a broad focus, supporting businesses employing less than 20 people which have not received substantial government assistance,” she said.

“This fund might be able to help businesses in their innovation and capacity building by encouraging investment in e-commerce, new technologies and environmental outcomes.”

The Recovery Assistance Fund opened in June 2020 to aid business and community recovery, and the council committed $1 million to the fund in its 2020-21 Budget.

As of last week’s meeting, more than $852,000 of this has now been allocated.

The council will release more details on the Creative Communities and Small Business Support programs in coming weeks.

Discover more information about the grant programs at surfcoast.vic.gov.au.