Upgrades to Wodonga's BMX track and new tools to support cricket coaching are among five successful Community Impact Grants awarded at the October council meeting.
The grants program assists with the delivery of community-driven projects and aims to empower non-profit organisations to grow ideas that will benefit the wider community.
Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to $4000.
The successful recipients included:
- Belvoir Cricket Club - $2,900 to purchase new tools to enable better coaching for club members.
- Glorious Kids (auspiced by Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Community Councils) - $3,990 to host a program to provide a friendly and safe environment for newly arrived refugees and multicultural communities.
- Wodonga Congolese Cultural School - $4,000 to host a Unity in Diversity event at The Cube Wodonga on October 28.
- Gateway Lake Users Group Wodonga - $4,000 to re-vegetate key access points at Gateway Lakes.
- Wodonga Urban Landcare Network- $4,000 for a project to educate residents of two new estates in Baranduda about the importance of creating habitat for wildlife in their gardens.
A further three community groups have been successful in the Community Impact Infrastructure Program.
The Border BMX Club will receive $10,000 towards improving its racetrack.
During heavy or sustained rainfalls, the track in West Wodonga is subject to considerable structural damage due to insufficient water diversion and drainage.
Major track upgrades will be undertaken, including the removal and resurfacing of sections of the track and the installation of drainage pipes.
Albury Wodonga Kart Club will receive $10,000 towards the construction of safety fencing.
The new fencing at its Wodonga track will enable the club to increase its accessible spectator and pit area to accommodate an increase in the number of competitors.
The North East Tracking and Scent Club has secured $7000 towards purchasing safety equipment for use at its dog sport tracking trial events.
The club will purchase five high-risk remote area softback first aid kits and four defibrillators.
The addition of portable defibrillators and first aid kits will improve the safety of participants and spectators should an emergency incident occur, especially in remote areas where some events are held.
