Bass Coast Shire Council distributed $127,000 to 46 community groups last Wednesday night, for Round two of the 2019 Community Grants Program.
The event was held at the Newhaven Hall and featured a welcome of live music from local musician Nic Huigs, who set the tone for a great evening of celebrations.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari and Deputy Mayor, Cr Geoff Ellis, co-hosted the evening, with the assistance of fellow Councillors to present certificates to successful community groups.
This Round saw grants awarded for a huge range of projects, events and equipment, including training for Therapy Dog 'Bear', training for volunteers in Accidental Bystander Counselling, purchasing smaller bowls for primary school children to learn to play bowls at San Remo Bowling Club, the Deadlifts and Donuts event, The Women for Change event and more.
Each Round, one major project grant is awarded. In this Round, the grant for $10,000 was awarded to Phillip Island Golf Club to install a 39kw solar system. Savings generated from the reduced power costs will be used to invest in the club for the benefit of up and coming youth, and the growing local community. The preferred installer of the system is a local business.
Cr Tessari said the presentation evening is a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank the numerous people who volunteer their time to groups and committees, who make so many events and programs in Bass Coast possible.
"We are proud to have a grants program to support our volunteers, and the take up the community is amazing," Cr Tessari said.
"With the funding they receive, these groups are able to provide a variety of different programs and events to benefit Bass Coast residents and visitors.
"The presentation night provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the great work done by all of our community groups in Bass Coast."
Applications for Round One of the 2020 Community Grants are now open and will close on Friday, 6 March.
