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Baw Baw Shire community groups receive more than $140k in council grants for vital projects and events in 2023

Baw Baw Sustainability Network received $5,000 to promote their Creative Harvest event, aiming to educate and inspire self-sufficiency. Mayor Annemarie McCabe praised community initiatives and the improved application process.

By news@gippsland - 28th September 2023 - Back to News

Local community groups in Baw Baw have been awarded over $140,000 in council grant funding to assist with projects and events that benefit the wider community. Each year, Baw Baw Shire Council's Community Grants Program invites eligible not for profit organisations to apply for funding to support their valuable work. Grants are available across two streams throughout the year: Minor Capital Works and Community Projects.

With projects expected to conclude within six months of the funding agreement. Eligibility is confirmed through mandatory pre-application appointments

Funding for community projects

The current round of funding, dedicated specifically to the Community Projects stream, saw a total of $140,304.45 awarded to support 33 non-profit organisations and associations in Baw Baw Shire to help them deliver (among other things):

• New signage
• Minor refurbishments, storage and cabinets
• Traffic management for community events
• Sporting facility upgrades
• Marketing and entertainment for community events
• First aid accessories
• Audio and information technology equipment

This funding round was the first conducted under a new and improved application process introduced in July following extensive community consultation.

Funding boost for creative harvest

One of this year's successful recipients, Baw Baw Sustainability Network has received just under $5000 in grant funding to support their event, Creative Harvest. Representing the group, Anda McMillan says "We are thrilled to receive this grant which will be used to bolster the promotional efforts of our upcoming event, Creative Harvest."

"Our event serves as an educational beacon for our community, imparting valuable insights and inspiration to empower our attendees to have a go at growing their own food gardens and become more self-sufficient. As our event continues to captivate an ever-expanding audience from across the State, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this added support in amplifying our message to a wider audience," Ms McMillan said.

Mayor applauds grant recipients

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe congratulated the recipients on taking up the opportunity to apply. "These groups are integral to Baw Baw Shire," said the mayor. "We are always pleased to support such a fantastic range of community-led initiatives. I applaud them for making the most of the funding opportunity and would absolutely encourage other groups to do the same."

"Over the past two years, this program has provided over $300,000 to support our dedicated and committed local groups, often led by volunteers. We know how much that funding can mean. And, with a new, easier application process based on user feedback, it has never been easier to apply," Ms McCabe said.

To find out more about Baw Baw Shire Council's Community Grants Program, including information on how to apply and how your group could benefit from a grant, please visit Community Grants Program - Community Projects page. Successful applicants in the Minor Capital Works stream will be announced in November.

Successful grant recipients

Funding is available to support the delivery of community events, projects, programs, environmental initiatives, and the purchase of equipment. Total project costs cannot exceed $5,000 (including GST if applicable). Full list of successful applicants and projects are as follows:

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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