Greater Shepparton City Council noted two successful applicants in the latest round of the Community Sustainability Grants at the May Council Meeting.
Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare Group and Transition Tatura were each successful in their grant applications, sharing in a total of $5,974 in funding.
The Community Sustainability Grants support the development and implementation of sustainable projects and events, which assist in achieving sustainability actions within Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Draft Climate Emergency Action Plan.
Council launched the first round of the Community Sustainability Grants program in July 2016, with two rounds offered per financial year. The funding aims to facilitate projects which encourage the community to address the climate emergency, raise community awareness of the relevance of climate change and its impacts, increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings, encourage participation in sustainability activities and events, and enable community members to acquire new skills in sustainability.
Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare Group were successful in receiving $2,974 towards sustaining Pony Paddock Park in Congupna. Pony Paddock Park is a local native park showcasing over 300 native plant species. The park is in need of new plants and garden supplies to reinvigorate the garden, and the Landcare Group are aiming to create community engagement through working bees and knowledge sharing.
Transition Tatura were successful in their application for $1,842.47 in funding to support a Film Festival. The Tatura festival will focus on self-sufficiency and include short films, competitions, and an opportunity for people to get together and learn more about climate change and what they can do to live more sustainably. The festival will have speakers, presentations, food, fellowship, and an expo.
Mayor, Councillor Kim O'Keeffe congratulated both of the successful applicants and acknowledged the important work they were doing in the sustainability space.
"Sustainability and climate change are extremely relevant and important topics for our region and any work done in this space to raise awareness, improve knowledge and help make positive changes should be commended," she said.
"Congratulations to both of the successful applicants for this round. I encourage other local community groups to consider applying for the next round of funding and help improve our region for the better."
