Businesses, not for profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to improve access and inclusion for people with disabilities in Greater Shepparton. The inaugural grant has been developed by Greater Shepparton City Council as part of the Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2022-2026.
The Access and Inclusion Grants Program will offer up to $10,000 to support businesses, community groups and not for profit organisations in improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities within the region. The Grant round will open on 1 March 2023 and closes on 31 March 2023.
There are two funding streams available:
Stream 1 - providing up to $1,000 per successful applicant on a $1 to $1 matching basis for non-structural developments such as website accessibility, literature conversations, event support and technological purchases such as hearing loops and adjustable furniture. The matching contribution in this stream can be in-kind.
Stream 2 - provides funding for up to $10,000 on a 4:1 matching basis, for minor capital works including but not limited to, improving access to premises for people with disabilities, bathroom renovations, lighting and creating a sensory friendly space.
Greater Shepparton Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said Council wants to make Greater Shepparton a more accessible place to live, work, play and visit for people with disabilities and their families.
"The grants support local businesses, community groups and organisations to be able to provide increased access and inclusion. The funding can be used for minor capital works, including renovations to improve access to services such as ramps, rails and disability parking, or even to develop accessible websites or convert menus and documents into easy English or braille."
Councillor representative on the Disability Advisory Committee, Cr Sam Spinks, said "we want to make Greater Shepparton accessible for everyone and these grants will help make those changes. Council can assist your business or group in creating a change that will help our community."
"We welcome all businesses, community groups and not for profit organisations to come along to one of our information sessions to find out more about the grants program or for assistance in completing an application," she said.
Access and Inclusion Grants Program Information Sessions will be held on Tuesday 28 February and Monday 6 March 2023. Full details of the sessions are below:
Online only
Date: Tuesday 28 February 2023
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Go to bit.ly/accessgrant2023 to register
Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre, 132 Welsford Street, Shepparton OR online.
Date: Monday 6 March 2023
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Go to bit.ly/accessgrant2023shepp to register.
