Community groups and organisations encouraged to apply for grant to Make it Happen
Groups and organisations with ideas or initiatives that support our community can soon apply for a Hobsons Bay Make it Happen grant.
Council's Make it Happen grants program opens on 2 February, with $495,000 in funding available.
The program can provide support for activities, projects, programs, events and resources across many sectors, including environment, sustainability, sport, recreation, arts and culture, heritage, health and wellbeing, multicultural, technology and more.
One example of the power of the grants is West Welcome Wagon, a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation that has been dedicated to welcoming and supporting asylum seekers and refugees as they rebuild their lives in Australia since 2013.
The group has been able to host crucial community events thanks to the Make it Happen program.
"We have been a grateful recipient of the grants. They have enabled us to deliver three reach out days in Hobsons Bay, which is really fantastic," West Welcome Wagon CEO Colette McInerney said.
At the pop-up shop type events, the reach out days provide an opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to access donated items such as clothing, shoes, food, kitchenware and more.
"We invite clients to these days, which they absolutely love, where they have the dignity and agency to select items they need," Ms McInerney said.
"We have been able to reach about 80 families and nearly 400 adults and children in Hobsons Bay.
"The grant covers staff time, logistics costs like fuel and venue fees, things that are difficult for an organisation like us to fund."
More than seven tonnes of material aid have been distributed through the days.
Ms McInerney said the days have made a significant impact to families finding their feet in Hobsons Bay.
"It's important to be able to help build the self-esteem of the cohort of people we support," she said.
"It plays a role in helping these people create a home and feel welcome here."
Ms McInerney said the West Welcome Wagon will be applying again for 2026 grants, and encourages other community groups to do the same.
"I would highly recommend to anyone thinking about it to apply. We have had helpful chats with a grants officer about our idea in the past, so I'd strongly encourage anyone that provides services in Hobsons Bay to ask for help if needed, and go for it," she said.
