Council has handed out more than $3.2 million in grants to community clubs and groups across the region, funding pavilion upgrades, new floodlights, kitchen and bathroom renovations, improved cricket facilities, community events and much more.
Infrastructure projects
A total of 30 clubs and groups have shared in just over $3.12 million for infrastructure projects, including six grants of the maximum $350,000.
North Shore Football Netball Club, Lara Football Club, Lara United FC (soccer) and North Geelong Warriors FC (soccer) have all received the maximum grant for new floodlights around their playing fields.
St Mary's Football Netball Club has been awarded $350,000 towards its pavilion redevelopment, and Anam Cara House Geelong has received the same contribution towards its planned palliative care community hub.
Other large grants have gone to the Highton Girl Guides ($260,000 for a new accessible toilet and open plan kitchen) and Bell Park Cricket Club ($158,800 for upgraded training facilities).
The list also sees $76,000 being sent to the Geelong Canoe Club for a new all abilities accessible canoe platform, $77,843 to the Serbian Parish Youth Club for accessible toilets and baby change facilities, and $66,000 to the Indented Head Community Association for a multi-purpose tennis and basketball facility.
View the full list of infrastructure grants.
Community Events
In addition, the council has awarded $84,900 in grants to 17 successful applicants under its brand new Community Events Fund.
Events receiving support include the Lara Food and Wine Festival ($10,000 a year for three years), the Word for Word Non-Fiction Festival ($10,000), All Ford Day ($7800 a year for three years) and the Barwon Heads Triathlon ($3000).
View the full list of Community Events Fund grants.
This latest round of funding follows the council's announcement earlier this month of just under $500,000 in grants for arts projects and festivals, equipment purchases, environmental initiatives and other community projects.
Applications will open on 1 February 2020 to award the remaining $80,000 available in the Community Events Fund.
Mayor Stephanie Asher:
It's a great pleasure to award more than $3.2 million in grants to so many worthy infrastructure projects and community events that we know will make a huge positive impact in our region.We're so happy that we can support the volunteers from these clubs and groups who put in an amazing amount of hard work for the good of others.
Helping community clubs and groups to maintain high standard facilities is one of the most important roles of the council. These places are where people make some of their strongest friendships and enjoy their favourite pastimes, so it's vital they're equipped to welcome new participants.
Equally, community events bring people together and allow us to celebrate our shared interests or experience something new. Encouraging these events is another way the council can make a genuine difference, which is why we set up the new Community Events Fund.
Councillor Anthony Aitken, Chair, Finance portfolio:
The council worked hard to increase grants funding by around 30 per cent in this year's budget, including the introduction of the Community Events Fund and a large rise in the allocation for infrastructure projects. We're now seeing the benefits of that decision, with a wonderful range of infrastructure projects and community events funded.Congratulations to all grant recipients and we look forward to the benefits your capital projects and community events will bring to your local communities and our region as they come to life and become part of a clever and creative Geelong.
