Local community groups, sporting clubs and event organisers have shared in more than $700,000 through the latest round of Mildura Rural City Council grant programs.
Councillors presented funding certificates to grant recipients at a special ceremony in Mildura on June 14. 60 individual grants were awarded in three different categories, including Events Funding and Support, Community Partnership and Recreation Assistance Grant Programs.
Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel congratulated all successful applicants and acknowledged their contributions to our region.
"It is an honour for Council to partner with and support these groups which help make our communities vibrant, active and inclusive places to live and visit," Cr Eckel said.
"I am constantly impressed and inspired by the innovative ideas and initiatives of our local clubs, not-for-profits and community organisations."
Council awarded $450,000 through the Events Funding and Support Grant Program which includes four grant tiers and aims to position the Mildura region as a major event destination with a vibrant year-round calendar of events that contributes to the economic and social wellbeing of our community.
The Ouyen Festivals Committee will put their $3,875 grant towards hosting the 2023 Mallee Root Festival.
Committee President Dearne Amos said their hard-working volunteer committee was looking forward to this year's event on Saturday 23 September.
"This Council Grant will help us to create a family-friendly event, where people can enjoy live music, market stalls, food trucks and children's entertainment, all in the picturesque setting of the Ouyen Lake," she said.
Nichols Point Soccer Club was one of 17 groups to secure funding through the Recreation Assistance Grant Program.
Committee representative Lachlan Giles said their $3,000 grant would be used to purchase portable full-sized soccer goals.
"Our Club has doubled in size since 2015," Mr Giles said.
"Having additional portable goals will allow us to use more of the space we have available and means more players can be training on the oval each week."
With multiple junior competitions plus reserves and seniors for both males and females, Mr Giles said soccer continued to grow in popularity across the Sunraysia region.
"It's a very accessible sport. Both juniors and seniors play on the same day at the same ground, so it is great for families."
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equity, Deputy Mayor Helen Healy applauded recipients of Council's Community Partnership Grant Program
"The grants are designed to support local projects and programs that clearly improve the health and wellbeing of our whole community," Cr Healy said.
"I am very much looking forward to seeing how these exciting projects and partnerships evolve and the impact they will have on our local community."
Red Cliffs East Primary School was one of the four worthy groups to receive a Community Partnership Grant.
Teacher Jade Wright said the school would use their $4,500 grant to transport students to Jacaranda Village as part of their Old Buddy Program.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have received the funding to make our Old Buddy Program a reality. We hope to run the intergenerational initiative in Term 4 and develop strong and meaningful relationships between our Prep students and our elderly community," Ms Wright said.
"The aim of the 6–8-week program is to improve the wellbeing across generations as our students and the older adults interact and exchange knowledge and skills through hands on learning experiences.
"We are very excited about being able to make meaningful connections again with our local community, as the last few years have made these types of projects difficult to get up and running. We can't wait to get started."
Click here for a full list of all grant recipients
