Waterline communities delighted to receive funding

BASS Coast Shire Council recently hosted the first round of the 2022 Smarty Grants presentation at the Cowes Yacht Club. 

Smarty Grants funding allows community groups to access money for small projects worth up to $5000.

Grantville Business and Community Association (GBCA) president Helen Zervopoulos was thrilled to received $3420, for the installation of four history boards to commemorate Grantville’s 150th year. 

The boards will be installed along the foreshore adjacent to the Grantville Pier and include information regarding the importance of the town’s shipping history.

Grantville’s logging industry is well documented but its importance as a shipping port, not only for transporting logs but as a place for the distribution of supplies, is largely unknown. 

The history boards will be part of the broader celebrations that the GBCA plans to host in August this year at the Grantville Memorial Park.

The Bass Valley’s U3A history group also secured funding to produce a booklet on Grantville’s history, which they will launch at the Grantville Library on the day of the 150th year celebrations.

“It’s an important milestone so the commemorative boards and the history booklet will be a lasting reminder of what a bustling township Grantville used to be,” Ms Zervopoulos said.

The Corinella Community Centre also received funding for promotional signage to entice more people to participate in the many and varied classes it offers. 

These include meditation, strength training, a community lunch and art and craft workshops. 
The funding will go towards bold and vibrant signage.

Bass Valley Community Centre and Neighbourhood house received a grant for a much needed ride on mower. 

Centre manager, Roderick McIvor, told the gathering that the Bass Valley Community Group is the only community group that is on private land, so they rely on mainly ageing volunteers to maintain the extensive grounds. 

“None of us are any getting younger so using a hand pushed mower on the extensive grassed area is becoming a bit of a struggle,” Roderick said.

Further funding for Westernport Ward included funding for the Glen Alvie Cricket Club, Bass Landcare, the Corinella Bowling club, Bass Valley Primary School and the Corinella Men’s Shed.

“Given the amount of funding that goes to projects in Wonthaggi and the Island, it was great to see the smaller communities in our ward receive an equitable amount of the financial pie,” Ms Zervopoulos said.  

“Filling out the Smarty Grants Funding Application can be a bit daunting but don’t be put off from applying to fund your community projects. Council officer Shirley Egan is a valuable resource who will happily assist with the application process.”

For more information, visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/community-support-services/community-grants