More than 150 community groups, organisations and local businesses have shared in over $130,000 worth of grant funding from Nillumbik Shire Council to support community recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nillumbik Recovery Fund, which was open between March to May 2021, aimed to assist as many recipients as possible and support different needs within the community.
Mayor Peter Perkins said the fund was having a hugely positive impact on the community.
"The Nillumbik community is a resilient one but things have been tough. This funding will further support many in our community as they deal with the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Cr Perkins said.
"It's great to see these grants having a tangible benefit where it's most needed."
Some of the grants have supported clients and individuals via local services and community groups.
Kerri Wellington, Client Programs and Volunteer Coordinator at Diamond Valley Community Support, said the fund had helped 19 families and about 30 children in the Nillumbik area to stay connected, stay healthy and meet the costs of basic needs including keeping a roof over their head.
"Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increased demand for food relief, crisis housing, mental health support, assistance with bills and rent and mortgage payments," she said.
"People who were just getting by prior to this situation are now faced with increased costs for day–to-day necessities coupled with a loss in jobs, loss in employment hours and a social disconnection from activities and people that are protective factors in people's mental health."
Kellie Wishart, Coordinator at CareNet, expressed her gratitude for a grant received by the organisation to cover the cost of sporting club fees for a young boy from Diamond Creek, whose family are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-related job losses.
"I want to thank Nillumbik Shire Council for providing this grant. It has been very helpful and responsive to community need."
The grants are also assisting organisations and businesses to deliver community-led projects and events throughout the Shire, such as the 'Get On With Life; older men's health expo scheduled to take place in Seniors Month this October. The event will include key note speakers and showcase local community groups and clubs, aiming to improve health and social connection for older men in our community.
A large number of projects and events are also set to take place in Nillumbik's rural townships, such as 'Raise the heART', a project aiming to increase connection and build resilience in Strathewen by delivering creative wellbeing art workshops, community performances, an art exhibition and a professional show by The Bongo Brothers featuring local primary school drummers.
A number of community groups and sporting clubs were also successful in receiving grant funding to assist them to bounce back from COVID-19-related impacts.
The Lions Club of Eltham received a grant to set up a free, reliable and safe Wi-Fi network at their clubrooms, which will be accessible to the community from Eltham Train Station and surrounds. The free Wi-Fi will benefit community members who do not have access to the internet, as well as allowing the club to continue running free 'Seniors Play Days,' which support older people to gain confidence using technology.
The Hurstbridge Scouts were another group to receive a grant, which has allowed them to set up a virtual scouting program. Diana Swift, Assistant Group Leader 1st Hurstbridge Scout Group, said that thanks to the grant "Scouts have remained connected throughout the various lockdowns we have been experiencing with the virtual scouting program," she said.
See below for a full list of grant recipients.
