Hume council has received a record breaking 168 applications for its 2024 Community Grants Program.
At a council meeting on October 9, council endorsed the distribution of $492,104 to 161 applicants as part of round one.
Speaking to the motion, Councillor Chris Hollow recognised the applicant numbers as a “fantastic” achievement.
“Our community grants program received a record breaking 168 applications, including 36 groups who have not applied to annual grants before,” he said.
“That’s a fantastic achievement and well done to those groups who did get involved this year. Of these applicants [149] are approved for funding, a further 12 groups have multi year funding.
“[The grant injections assist] community led solutions to issues, create community connections and provide opportunities to members of the community to participate in the cultural life of Hume.”
Cr Hollow said some of the successful applicants include Toy Libraries Australia, Engage Pasefika, CareWorks SunRanges and Westmeadows Football Club.
“Over the next three years [Toy Libraries Australia] will establish six new free toy lending libraries across Hume for children and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
“Engage Pasefika [will] run community sports inspired by the recent Pacific Games.
“CareWorks SunRanges are planning on upskilling and rebuilding the morale of their volunteers after the difficult pandemic years.”
Of the 16 ineligible applications, only one was deemed ineligible based on criteria, and 15 were withdrawn by applicants as they had applied under multiple categories.
Zoe Moffatt
