Village Associations can secure a funding boost toward their community gathering or solar fairy lighting for the festive season. Many have been quick to take-up the opportunity to partner with Council on their place-based Christmas celebrations through a Christmas SmartyGrants scheme.
As part of Council's $100,000 allocation for Christmas activations across Wingecarribee Shire, as much as $31,000 will be invested across our Shire's village communities. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to larger villages including Berrima, Bundanoon, Burrawang and Hill Top and Robertson. Smaller villages can apply for up to $2,000 toward what they have planned.
The focus of this funding is place-based events and activities unique to each village, led by the Village Associations, to connect their community by creating reasons for people to come together at Christmas.
"Village Associations have come to us with some wonderful ways of bringing their community together to enjoy the festivities and some are excited to bring magical after-dark atmosphere to their village with the solar fairylighting," says Corinne Buxton, Coordinator Community Development for Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Grants of varying amounts have been secured by all 17 villages across Wingecarribee Shire.
The grant scheme was non-competitive and villages are investing the funding received toward a range of community activities relevant to each place; pop-up carols, community Christmas parties, playground parties for the kids, decoration and card making workshops, Santa costumes and appearances, face-painting Elves, jumping castles, local musicians, village decorations, and of course solar lighting to bring a little Christmas spirit to village evenings.
"Together with the Village Associations we're sharing the Christmas Spirit far and wide across Wingecarribee. With cost of living pressures hitting home for a lot of people this holiday season, we hope being part of something put on for community members by their community will help to keep the joy of Christmas alive," Corinne Buxton said.
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