Small grants help out environmental projects

THERE was a strong environmental flavour to the latest round of Surf Coast Shire’s Small Grants program, spearheaded by $5,000 to purchase 45 reusable junior solar boat kits for local students.

Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) will receive the $5,000 grant to help Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay’s St Therese primary schools prepare for the Solar Cup Educational Challenge.

A celebration to recognise all successful grant recipients in the latest round was held in the Council Chambers in Torquay last week

Shire deputy mayor Clive Goldsworthy said it was encouraging to see a number of projects that aligned with the joint Council-community Towards Environmental Leadership program.

As well as SCEG, other Small Grants recipients include Lorne Surf Life Saving Club to replace single-use plastics with reusable options, Aireys Inlet Primary School to contribute towards an LED lighting educational program, and Danawa Community Garden to install a watering system for 10 communal garden beds.

“It’s fantastic to see these groups fostering a more sustainable future,” Cr Goldsworthy said.

“What’s even more pleasing is to see that these groups – such as the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club – involve youngsters, who are learning why it’s important to preserve our natural environment.”

The latest Small Grants round had 18 successful recipients, with more than $39,000 of funding distributed across the four wards – Anglesea, Lorne, Torquay and Winchelsea.

“A small amount of funding can have a big impact for these groups,” Cr Goldsworthy said.

“We look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and benefit our community.”

Other notable projects include Surf Coast Toy Library purchasing sensory toys for children with developmental disorders, and new equipment for two local riding clubs – Barwon Valley Pony Club and Connewarre and District Riding Club.