Gerald Lynch
The Rotary Club of Whittlesea’s renowned garden expo has received a much needed boost.
The club is one of a number of community groups to share in more than $95,000 through Whittlesea council’s community grants program.
The new grants program came into effect from August, offering grants across six categories.
Applications are assessed monthly and quarterly, providing access to funding year-round.
Rotary Club of Whittlesea secretary Julie Burgess said the grant they’ve received will go a long way in contributing to their renowned garden expo, which has struggled post-pandemic.
“The grant from Whittlesea council enables us to secure quality presenters to the Expo,” she said. “Melissa King from Better Homes and Gardens joins us again for our 2024 Expo, talking all things gardening.
“Our expo neatly aligns with Whittlesea’s goal of a connected community.
“It’s a community event, we involve a number of local groups, and are aiming for 1500 visitors in 2024.”
Valley Presbyterian Church, Thomastown Neighbourhood House, New Horizons Assembly of God Church, Olivine Community Group and Lalor Neighbourhood House also received grants.
The council also provided $100,000 in emergency grants to 12 local food share organisations to support an increasing demand for food as a result of rising cost-of-living expenses.
Administrator Christian Zahra said this first round of funding will provide much needed support for a number of local events and programs.
Applications for the next round of grants for medium and large groups close on December 31.
