Grants for grassroots community projects

SEVEN local groups have been awarded grants from Pacific Blue’s Yaloak South Sustainable Community Fund.

Ballan Cemeteries Trust, Ballan Group of Fire Brigades, Ballan Shire Historical Society, Beremboke Public Recreation Reserve, Mount Egerton Memorial Park, Rowsley Landcare Group and Mount Wallace Model Aircraft Association have received a share in $62,000.

Mount Wallace Model Aircraft Association president Garry Thiele said they’re working on the establishment of an ablution block for their State Flying Field, and shade shelters.

“We’re on 80 acres of flat ground and don’t have any shade as such. Trees are the enemy of model aircraft,” he said.

“We fly all year round, but it’s mainly the summer when we need the protection from the sun, and winter when we need the protection from the rain.

“We’ve only got a couple of portable toilets, but we want to encourage more people to the club, especially young people. We currently have about 25 members.

“We need decent amenities and shade for that parental guidance.”

Beremboke Public Recreation Reserve’s Felicity Connor said their grant will allow for outdoor seating and solar light upgrades.

“The reserve is used extensively by the community, but the current outdoor seating is falling apart,” she said.

“Upgrading the seating and installing solar lighting will make the space far more practical and help improve the quality of the experience for the community.”

The Ballan Cemeteries Trust grant will go towards their Roadway for the Future, Ballan Group of Fire Brigades are replacing a of Forward Command Vehicle, Ballan Shire Historical Society are replacing the Old Cemetery Identification and Information Sign, Mount Egerton Memorial Park are working on their memorial boards, and the Rowsley Landcare Group are putting funds towards an equipment shed.

Pacific Blue CEO Domenic Capomolla said a thriving community is one with strong bonds, belonging and opportunity.

“From replacing signage, to a roadway for the future to the installation of an ablution block, the Yaloak South projects all address an essential community need which contributes to the quality of life in the region,” he said.