Bass Coast Shire Council presented the first round of its 2019 Community Grants Program last Thursday, at the Archies Creek Hall.
After a record number of applications, grants were awarded to 55 community groups to support 64 projects, for a total of just over $171,760.
This Round saw applications for a huge range of projects, including an extension for the Wonthaggi Woodcrafters' workshop, solar panels for Phillip Island Senior Citizens Club and Grantville Hall, a Winter Solstice event in Kilcunda, chainsaw carving at Rhyll, audio visual equipment and more.
Each Round, one major project grant is awarded. In this Round, the Archies Creek Hall received a major project grant for $9,800, to install air conditioners. The same group also received a grant for lighting, which was a collaborative application with the Archies Creek community, outlining a large amount of in-kind trades to support the project.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the presentation evening provides an opportunity for groups to tell others about their projects and network with like-minded volunteers, as well as Bass Coast Councillors and staff.
"It was really exciting to hold our community grant celebration in a hall which is having a major upgrade thanks to an active and passionate community," Cr Tessari said.
"It was also fantastic to chat to all of the different groups and learn about their exciting projects first hand."
The importance of the Community Grants Program, and its support of the Bass Coast community to enhance services and facilities, was demonstrated by the large amount of applications received in Round One.
Applications for Round Two of the program are now open and will close on Friday, 9 August.
