Bayside's highly valued community choir can return to rehearsals in a COVID safe way thanks to Council's Community Reactivation Grants.
Vocally Wild Choir has been meeting for 20 years, with the 100-member strong group participating in annual community events like Anzac Day and Carols in the Park.
The choir has been unable to meet at their usual spot, SandyBeach Centre in Sandringham, due to the risky nature of singing during the pandemic.
Choir President Russel Barnes said the grant allowed the group to purchase sanitiser, perspex shields, screens for the music director and pianist, signage and physical distancing floor markers.
"Without these necessities we couldn't get back together - they're a must-have for our health and safety and you have to do this properly," Russel said.
"Our grant gave us a huge financial boost and was the difference to us being able to come back together after many months of seeing each other only on Zoom."
The one-off Community Reactivation Grants are still available for not for profit organisations, clubs and groups experiencing hardship as a result of COVID closures and new health and safety requirements.
Mayor Laurence Evans OAM said Council allocated $100,000 to the grants program, which was broken into small grants for recipients of up to $2,000.
"Our community clubs and groups play a big role in what makes our municipality a special place," Cr Evans said.
"This grants program will help community groups return bigger and better than before."
Successful applicants can use the funds to reconnect with members, create new or enhance existing programs, purchase consumables to create a COVID safe environment, or for minor equipment and furniture like outdoor seating, protective screens, wall partitions and IT equipment.
Funds are available until the allocation is exhausted.
