Council has allocated more than $180,000 to 11 community and sporting clubs, to improve recreation infrastructure, through its annual Capital Development Grants.
The grants provide up to $30,000 annually for community groups to undertake minor capital improvements to infrastructure that benefit sport and recreation organisations.
The groups receiving funding in the 2025/26 Capital Development Grants round include:
Belgrave Heights Tennis Club
Yarra Glen Bowls Club
Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway and Steam Club
Monbulk Pony Club
Doongala Pony Club
Silvan Football Club
Mooroolbark Cricket Club
Mount Evelyn Football Club
Chirnside Park Football Club
Eastern Ranges Football Club, and
Montrose Tennis Club
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, congratulated the successful clubs on their funding.
"I'm really pleased that local clubs have taken up the opportunity to improve their community infrastructure with these grants," he said.
"For club members, these spaces are homes away from home. They're places where people meet friends, get active and strengthen their connections to community.
"Having good infrastructure helps attract new members, improves participation and simply makes signing up to join your local sport or recreation club a bit more enticing.
"This year, grant funding will help to resurface cricket nets, replace coaches boxes, improve seating, provide a digital scoreboard, install safety fencing, new blinds and make seating a bit more accessible at 11 clubs across our region. Each of the clubs will also contribute to the cost of the projects.
"Congratulations to all of our grant recipients. If your club is looking to undertake a project, I strongly recommend keeping an eye out for next year's grant round when it opens."
All Capital Development Grant applications must meet four criteria, including:
Clear evidence of demand and ongoing benefits to community participation
Project documentation and demonstrated ability to deliver the project
Demonstrated increased opportunities for women and other disadvantaged groups
Sustainability elements incorporated in design, materials or outcome.
This year, Council received 15 applications, 11 of which were funded.
Some of the unfunded applications related to works Council will already be undertaking as part of its property and building maintenance services. Council will work with all the unsuccessful applicants to support their outcomes and find solutions to their issues.
