Grants of up to $20,000 on offer for local community groups
Local groups have until October 30 to register interest in Stronger Communities grants of between $2500 and $20,000
COMMUNITY groups across Bass Coast and South Gippsland have until Friday October 30 to register interest in grants of up to $20,000 through Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme.
Federal Monash MP Mary Aldred said grants of between $2500 and $20,000 would be provided to up to 20 eligible community projects in the electorate, which takes in all of Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires.
“Our volunteer groups are the heartbeat of Monash,” Ms Aldred said.
“Whether it’s a sports club, service organisation, veterans’ support or food relief centre, Monash is home to incredible volunteer organisations who contribute enormously within local communities.
“Times are tough, and these grants will give local groups a welcome boost to help bring people together, strengthen connections and support activities that make our region such a great place to live.”
The program is funded by the Federal Government, which has allocated $22.5 million to Round 10, with up to $150,000 available in each federal electorate and local MPs inviting applications from their communities.
Local clubs have done well out of the program before, with nine Monash community and sporting groups sharing in funding announced by Ms Aldred in July last year.
Wonthaggi Club Cricket Club received $20,000 for female privacy screens and a plumbing upgrade, while Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club received $20,000 for student accommodation and first aid facilities to support regional and interstate participation.
Inverloch Kongwak Football Netball Club received $3720 for defibrillators and first aid equipment to support its Under 12 and Under 16 girls’ teams.
The Inverloch Tourism Association received $6500 for advertising and website development, and its Inverloch Equinox Festival counted the program among its funders this year.
At the time, Ms Aldred said local groups had done a terrific job presenting small-scale projects with long-term benefits.
Eligible projects this round may include community facility upgrades, sporting infrastructure, accessibility improvements, equipment purchases, sustainability initiatives, veterans’ projects, First Nations initiatives and other projects that strengthen community participation and wellbeing.
Projects must have a total value of no more than $50,000 and be completed by March 31, 2028.
Community organisations, sporting clubs, volunteer groups, neighbourhood houses, scouts, veterans’ organisations and other local groups are invited to submit an expression of interest, with projects to be considered in consultation with a local committee.
Grant guidelines and expression of interest forms are available from Ms Aldred’s office on 5614 3600 or by emailing mary.aldred.mp@aph.gov.au.
