Sporting, community and not-for-profit groups delivering inspirational and community-focused projects in Northern Grampians Shire will take centre stage in Stawell and St Arnaud next month.
The council will host two Community Celebration – Local Ideas, Lasting Impact events to pay tribute to various achievements by shire residents and groups.
The events will celebrate the success of projects delivered with support from the council's various Community Development Grants and Sponsorships Funding Program streams.
The community celebrations will be at Lord Nelson Park, Tony Driscoll Room, St Arnaud on Tuesday, October 7, and North Park Community Centre, Stawell, on Tuesday, October 15.
Both events will run from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the community celebrations would enable attendees to share their experiences, including challenges they faced or opportunities they uncovered that helped bring their projects to fruition.
"The agenda will include a rundown of who received grants under all the streams – minor, community events, sponsorships, art and culture, and community. This will include leaders of several groups providing information about what their grant enabled them to achieve and what it meant for the group," she said.
"By spotlighting these valuable local projects, council hopes to inspire continued participation in grant programs and strengthen community connections for the future.
"We will also have two panels focusing on different subject areas – sustainability and big-picture thinking – with community group representatives sharing some of their experiences.
"There will also be opportunities for strengthening connections and collaboration."
Cr Hyslop said the community celebrations stemmed from feedback from the council's Community Conversations initiative, which recognised a gap in post-COVID grant recognition.
She said participants called for more opportunities to celebrate local achievements and foster collaboration.
"As a result of this consultation, these new community celebrations will honour the local community groups and organisations that have worked tirelessly to create opportunities for learning, connection and community wellbeing," she said.
"Through their efforts, they have delivered valuable programs, events, infrastructure and essential facilities that make a real difference in their communities."
Cr Hyslop said the council had issued an invitation to grant recipients and the broader community.
"We know it will be a valuable evening for your group and encourage committee members or your executive leaders to come along, not just to celebrate, but to identify fresh ideas and insights that could help with your own future projects," she said.
"Our team will also be on hand to help answer questions and clarify the different council support options available to groups like yours."
