More than 50 local recreation groups and event organisers will move forward with their innovative projects and initiatives following the presentation of more than $500,000 through our latest round of Recreation Assistance and Event Funding and Support Grant programs.
Councillor for Sports and Recreation Glenn Milne highlighted the critical role local recreation groups play in the region.
"While it's certainly gratifying from a Council perspective to be able to play a small role through our Recreation Assistance Grants program to support these amazing initiatives, the heavy lifting is really done by our local recreation groups," Cr Milne said.
"It's their vision, their ideas, their hard work that make these projects a reality, and in almost every case it's a small band of dedicated volunteers behind each of these groups who are responsible.
"The support these projects provide our community is immeasurable, providing a raft of opportunities for more community participation in sport and recreation activities and all the health and well-being benefits that flow from that."
Councillor for Events and Tourism Rebecca Crossling said local event organisers not only provide opportunities for local participation but serve as major contributors to the local economy through the visitors their events attract.
"We should be incredibly proud of the numerous hard-working clubs and groups in our community that create and deliver such a diverse range of professionally-run events, often on an annual basis," Cr Crossling said.
"The past few weeks provide us with some prime examples, with the Penrite Hattah Desert Race and Mildura Writers Festival showcasing the diversity of high-quality events our hard-working local groups are capable of delivering – both of which are regular recipients of our Event Funding and Support Grant program.
"These and many other recipients of this grant program help put our region on the map with their ability to draw thousands of visitors to our region, and the resulting economic stimulus they generate.
"Equally importantly, these events provide an outlet for our local community to participate and explore their chosen passion, whether it be through sporting events or the arts."
The Recreation Assistance Grant Program is targeted at recreation groups which undertake projects that increase participation in sport and recreation activities or increase access to a diverse range of quality sporting and recreation facilities and programs. Grants of up to $20,000 are available through this program. Applications for the next round are now open.
The Event Funding and Support Grant Program is designed to provide financial support to local event organisers, positioning the Mildura region as a major event destination with a vibrant year-round calendar of events that contribute to the economic and social well-being of our community. Grants of up to $50,000 are available through this program.
