Council Boosts Community Initiatives with Community Partnership Grants

Published on 15 April 2024

Southern Grampians Shire Council has empowered local community groups to deliver initiatives and projects that benefit our vibrant region through the awarding of over $120,000 in Community Partnership Grants at the April Council meeting.

This round saw a total of 31 grants approved for projects which seek to drive positive change across the social, economic, and environmental landscape of the Southern Grampians Shire.

The grants were awarded to a variety of community groups, sporting clubs, and community service organisations. Among the major funding recipients this round were the Hamilton Table Tennis Association, Glenthompson War Memorial Hall, Penshurst Football Netball Club, Byaduk Mechanic Institute, Hamilton Croquet Club and the Dunkeld Writers Festival.

Applications were rigorously assessed based on predefined criteria, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives outlined in the Council Plan, Health and Wellbeing Plan, and other community-focused strategies. The funding distribution includes 10 grants over $2,500, totalling $77,400.18, and 21 grants under $2,500, totalling $42,727.30.

One of the program's key strengths lies in its collaborative approach, fostering partnerships between Council and community groups to benefit the wider region. Through engagement at various community forums and workshops, Council staff provide support to grant applicants, guiding them through the application process and promoting project sustainability.

Mayor Councillor David Robertson highlighted the continued importance of the Community Partnership Grants Program in supporting the Southern Grampians Shire.

"Our grants program is a vital way for us to work in partnership with our community groups to support the important work they do. Over the last six years, we have funded almost $2million worth of projects through our grants program which is a very significant contribution to a huge variety of community groups, programs and initiatives. The projects and initiatives funded by these grants help to build a stronger, more vibrant Southern Grampians Shire,” Cr Robertson said.

"The range of projects and initiatives that have been funded through this year's grants program is extensive and is exactly why this program exists. It is heartening to see so many community groups working to make a positive impact in our shire, and we are proud to support them through this program," Cr Robertson concluded.

The Community Partnership Grants Program is a bi-annual program run by the Southern Grampians Shire Council, aimed at supporting local community groups and their initiatives. The grants are funded through the council's budget and are allocated through a competitive application process.

The next round of grants will open in early July.