Image Caption: Mayor Gangemi pictured with National Manager of Hear For You John Lui and Hear For You Programs Facilitator Naomi Clarry at Tree Tops Adventure.
Community groups offering support to residents experiencing hearing loss, domestic violence, mental health struggles and more have received beneficial funding in the latest round of The Hills Shire Council's Annual Community Grants Program.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi, expressed his pride in the broad range of initiatives receiving funding through the program.
"In this round, Council is proud to support 17 organisations with a total of $152,809 of grant funding, enabling these groups to do even more transformational work for our residents" Mayor Gangemi said.
"I can't wait to see each of these projects in action and the incredible benefits these will have for our community in a diverse range of areas."
Among the grant recipients is The Shepherd Centre, a not-for-profit organisation providing early intervention programs and services to children and young people with hearing loss and their families.
The organisation will use their allocated funding for their Hear For You program, which will be held at Tree Tops Adventure The Hills. The program will connect young people with hearing loss with trained mentors in a fun group environment with others experiencing similar challenges.
National Manager of Hear for You, John Lui said he was grateful for the funding boost.
"The Hear For You program brings tweens and teens together in a relaxed, fun environment, giving them the opportunity to connect with each other and young adult mentors who share the same living experiences of having an invisible disability in a hearing world," Mr Lui said.
"The program equips young people with the tools, support network and resources to navigate the challenges of living with hearing loss and access support if needed. "The grant funding from Council makes it possible for us to make a difference in the lives of these young people, building their confidence and life skills.
"The whole community benefits from their increased participation and the exposure to diversity that this brings," he added.
The Annual Community Grants program provides funding between $2,501 and $25,000 and is broadly focused on providing grants for community services in the following priority areas:
- Events, concerts, theatre, and arts programs designed to engage key community members that entertain the broader community
- Domestic violence prevention and recovery
- Mental health and suicide prevention and
- Disability, youth, seniors, and cultural projects that support community participation opportunities.
The community groups who will be receiving funding through the 2024/25 Annual Community Grants Program include:
- The Hills Chinese Association - $11,830 for weekly activities, participation in cultural events, social and environment awareness seminars, humanitarian care and charity performances for the local Chinese community.
- The Rotary Club of Kenthurst Inc - $9,306 to host a Christmas Carols event for the local community.
- Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra - $2,500 for venue hire for rehearsals and performances during the Orchestra's 2025 Concert Season.
- The Shepherd Centre – $2,500 for delivering the Hear For You program for young people with hearing loss at Tree Tops Adventure The Hills.
- Lisa Harnum Foundation Ltd - $15,000 for operating their Safe Rooms initiative to offer care and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
- Friends of Glenhaven Inc - $15,000 to run the Glenhaven Carols by Candlelight for the local community.
- Computer Pals for Seniors – The Hills Inc - $5,598 to offer one-on-one training to seniors on how to use Apple computers.
- Zonta Club Sydney Hills Inc - $3,000 to provide household packs including bedding, kitchen, bathroom and cleaning essentials to help women experiencing domestic violence begin their new life after leaving The Sanctuary – The Hills Women's Shelter.
- Eastbend Rural Communications Inc - $7,500 for printing the Living Heritage Magazine, which is distributed to residents living in Maroota, South Maroota, Cattai, Sackville North and bulk delivered to Galston, Glenorie, Dural and Wisemans Ferry.
- Stronger Together Foundation - $17,500 for hosting the Stronger Together Conference for local parents and/or carers of people with disability and/or neurodivergent needs.
- Council of Indian Australians Inc – $15,000 to host a Diwali Festival at Castle Hill Showground.
- RDA Tall Timbers Centre - $15,000 for people with disability to participate in horse care activities to improve emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
- Hills Community Aid - $9,000 to host a range of activities as part of their Family Fun Day programs during school holidays.
- Positive Vibes Foundation - $4,905 to host a forum focused on supporting the mental health of high school students.
- Mind Connections Foundation - $6,950 to host the Pawsitive Steps Festival at Rouse Hill Town Centre, which combines raising mental health awareness with exercise and a love for dogs.
- Harman Foundation Ltd - $7,600 to produce a 15-minute short film that communicates the complexities of domestic, family and sexual violence.
- Headspace Paramatta - $4,620 to deliver the 'Speaking of Mental Health' lived-experience program for Year 10 students across four high schools.
The applications for 2024/2025 were assessed under Council's Community Grants Program Guidelines within the Community Grants Policy by the Community Grants Assessment Panel.
For more information about Council's Community Grants Program, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for 'Apply for a grant.
