Moorabool Shire – around the grounds

Grants for Groups

IMPORTANT local projects could get a cash boost when the next round of Moorabool Shire’s community grants program opens next month.

Non-profit organisations and community groups can apply for funding for initiatives and projects across five different grant streams.

Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Ally Munari said the council had supported hundreds of groups fund everything from community events to sporting equipment.

“The community grants program is a wonderful way for non-profit organisations to inject some money into what they offer to the community,” she said.

“We have some wonderful examples of funded projects in the past, including $3000 to the Mount Wallace Hall and reserve to host an open mic event and $3000 to Landcare for its Moorabool Seed Pod Program.”

Applications will open on 1 August and close on 31 August. To help groups prepare a submission, the council will host an online grant writing workshop on Wednesday 24 July at 6pm.

Drop-in sessions are also available on Monday August 5 in Bacchus Marsh, Tuesday 6 August in Gordon and Thursday 8 August in Ballan.

Register for sessions and workshops, or find out more by contacting the Community Development team on 5366 7100 or via moorabool.vic.gov.au/communitygrants.

Grow West planting day

Grow West will partner with Moorabool Shire Council for a special planting event in Darley. This year’s event will take place at Telford Park on Sunday 21 July with a focus on in-fill planting for insect habitats.

Volunteers will be allocated a small team who will work under the guidance of a leader, demonstrating the method of planting to be used onsite. Registrations are essential.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Sign up at events.humanitix.com/gw-planting-day-2024.

Dunnstown Reserve upgrades

Works are under way to upgrade the Dunnstown Recreation Reserve. Moorabool Shire Council will extend the pavilion and upgrade local amenities.

The project will include female-friendly facilities, additional storage space, a meeting room and improved building access.

Works are expected to be complete by October 2024. The project was funded by the shire, with contributions from state and federal government community funds.

Local Government reforms

The State Government is seeking community feedback on a plan to introduce new training and code of conduct requirements for local councillors.

Key changes include a Model Councillor Code of Conduct for all 79 Victorian councils, mandatory annual professional development for councillors, and training for newly elected mayors and deputy mayors.

Consultations are open to all and will occur in two stages. The first stage invites input on a new Model Councillor Code of Conduct and training syllabus.

Surveys for feedback are open until 15 July. Read more at engage.vic.gov.au/local-government-reforms-2024.