The many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued throughout 2021 and our residents have now faced more than 200 days in lockdown resulting in ongoing financial stress and impacts on wellbeing.
As part of Council's $10 million recovery package adopted earlier this year, over $2 million has now been allocated to a COVID-19 Recovery Grant program to provide direct financial support to those who have been most impacted by the ongoing lockdowns and restrictions.
The grants will launch from next month and eligible businesses, community groups, creatives (individuals and organisations), not for profits and environmental groups are encouraged to apply.
The grants and opening and closing dates are:
Grant Program |
Open date |
Close date |
Events and Festivals Grants: Homegrown Events(new and existing) Mornington Peninsula Arts Festival Outdoor Dining Activation Event Partnership Fund |
4 October 2021 |
5 November 2021 |
Business and Economy Grants: Online Initiatives New Business Support Tourism Marketing and Membership Subsidy |
4 October 2021 |
5 November 2021 |
Creative Community Grant |
4 October 2021 |
5 November 2021 |
Community Placemaking Grant |
7 February 2022 |
25 March 2022 |
Community Support Grant |
4 October 2021 |
5 November 2021 |
Climate Action Grant |
7 February 2022 |
11 March 2022 |
Biolinks Support Grant |
7 February 2022 |
11 March 2022 |
Business and Economy Grants: Revitalisation Initiatives Business Continuity Planning and Expansion Accessible Business Improvements |
21 March 2022 |
22 April 2022 |
The brand new Local Economy Booster vouchers aim to stimulate local visitation and spend though a reimbursement program for accommodation and attractions in our Shire during off peak-season. The initiative will be available to Mornington Peninsula residents 18+ only and can be used for paid tours and tourism experiences, entry fees to attractions and eligible paid accommodation.
Local Economy Booster vouchers |
|||
Registrations open |
Eligible period |
Claim period and cut off |
|
2021 |
1 October |
23 October – 23 December |
10 – 21 January |
2022 |
19 April |
26 April – 31 May |
6 – 17 June |
Local Economy Booster vouchers dates are subject to change dependent on State Government COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
The Shire will focus on strengthening our partnership approach with local community service providers to expand intervention programs through a negotiated funding program, called Community Service Providers Grant.
We know we need to support employment, mental health, family violence and our youth during this crisis and partnering with expert providers will achieve the best outcomes in these areas.
The Shire has also committed to helping local sporting and recreation clubs through the development and allocation of a $100,000 program providing support during both summer and winter seasons.
Comments attributed to Mayor Despi O'Connor:
"Council is seriously committed to helping our community recover from COVID-19. These grants are just one of the many things we are doing to make a real difference. Grants information sessions and assistance will be provided to ensure everyone is well supported throughout the application process.
"We have expanded some current programs, created brand new programs and also extended eligibility criteria to ensure great community impact. We have also tightened our internal processing times so we can deliver grants quickly as we work towards a recovered and revitalised Peninsula.
"Our Funding Finder website gives an overview of all funding and grant opportunities available to you from State and Federal Governments, philanthropic organisations and the Mornington Peninsula Shire."
