Central Goldfields Shire Council's 2021-2022 Community Support Grants and CASI Community Recovery Grants programs are now open with a total of $60,000 available.
The Community Support Grants are an opportunity for community groups to undertake projects that prepare them for returning to their normal group activities.
Community groups and organisations are able to share in approximately $30,000 in funding by applying for grants above $500.
Meanwhile, the CASI Community Recovery Grants will enable Central Goldfields organisations and groups to facilitate community recovery with a special focus on supporting people who experience loneliness, isolation and disconnection to establish social networks through:
- practical help
- emotional support, and
- social activities.
Both grant opportunities are available to community-based, non-profit organisations that are:
- based in the Central Goldfields Shire; and
- benefit the Central Goldfields Shire community
The Community Support Grants applications will be considered at the December Council Meeting with funds to be distributed to groups from January 2022.
Council has been able to offer the CASI Community Recovery Grants thanks to $30,000 in funding from the State Government's Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) program.
Last year's Community Support Grants were awarded to a wide range of groups for a diverse variety of projects. Some of the projects included:
- Purchasing new lawn mowers to ease the labour of maintaining facilities at the Maryborough Tennis Club and Bealiba Pony Club
- Installing new weather cameras at the Maryborough airport to improve safety for local pilots.
- Buying an intercom system for the Maryborough Theatre Company
- Providing care packages for vulnerable women through the Central Goldfields Zonta Club
- Upgrading facilities and improving accessibility at our community gardens
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said the Community Support Grants and CASI Community Recovery Grants are the perfect opportunity for community groups who need funding to assist in their recovery due to COVID-19.
"This is a golden opportunity for community groups and clubs to re-boot their activities and start the new year with renewed energy.
"We are also looking for organisations and groups to establish new programs that reach out to residents who have become isolated and disengaged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidelines and an application form are available for both grants program at www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/communitygrants
The grants programs close at 5pm on Friday 19 November.
