Gerald Lynch
More than $95,000 has been allocated to support community groups deliver programs, activities
and events in the first round of funding through the new Whittlesea council Community Grants
Program.
The new grants program came into effect from August, and it offers grants across six categories.
Applications are assessed monthly and quarterly, providing access to funding year-round.
Administrator Christian Zahra said this first round of funding will provide much needed
support for a number of local events and programs.
“We are thrilled to be able to support the brilliant efforts of local groups who are working hard to
organise events and activities that will bring people together to celebrate, explore and get
creative,” he said.
“Council recently endorsed a 33 per cent increase in total community grants funding in response
to community need, and we are so pleased to start to see the benefits of this funding for the
community.”
The following community groups have been awarded grants:
Valley Presbyterian Church for Doreen Community Carols.
Thomastown Neighbourhood House for the Promisetown Picnic Markets.
Rotary Club of Whittlesea for the Whittlesea Garden Expo 2024.
New Horizons Assembly of God Church for the Whittlesea Christmas Festival.
Olivine Community Group for the International Expo 2024.
Lalor Neighbourhood House for art, permaculture and creative programs.
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.
“We’re so pleased that this emergency grant funding will be able to help these local organisations continue to support those in our community who are doing it tough at the moment,” said Mr Zahra.
Applications for the next round of grants for medium and large groups are currently open and close on December 31.
