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Community Assistance GrantsMore than 90 community groups benefited from the latest round of Community Assistance Grants presented by Baw Baw Shire Council at a function last night (Tuesday). By Baw Baw Shire Council - 8th December 2004 - Back to News Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Cr Ruth McDonald, said she was delighted that Councillors were able to help so many groups this year.
"The number of applications received increased in all categories this year and it became very tough for Councillors in deciding which projects to support.
"It was fortunate that we had planned an 11% increase in grants so we had some $300,000 available to support the community," said Cr McDonald.
Cr McDonald said that all Councillors regretted that they could not help the record number of applicants for the grants.
"Nevertheless I take pride as Mayor in the fact that we have so many active groups in Baw Baw with many wonderful projects. This is the sign of a very healthy community," said Cr McDonald.
All projects were assessed and prioritised on the basis of the criteria set out in the Grant guidelines. Generally those applications which best met the criteria were allocated the highest proportion of the funds that they requested.
"We tried to be fair in our decisions," said Cr McDonald.
"Many groups did not get the full amount that they requested simply because we wanted to help as many groups as possible".
"Councillors were mindful though that each project received enough to make sure it could proceed even with the reduced funding."
The 91 Community Assistance Grants were in addition to the 39 grants previously approved in the Special Events category.
The Mayor encouraged all unsuccessful groups to continue fund raising and not to abandon their planned projects.
"Baw Baw is a generous community and I’m sure good projects will attract public support," said Cr McDonald.
Significant programs to receive grants included:
- Support for Lifeline program
- Support for Active Community programs in Rawson, Noojee and Longwarry.
- Support for Warragul Municipal Band
- Improvements to a number of public halls
- Assistance to extensions to Sonshine Toy Library
- Improvements to lighting at Drouin soccer ground and netball court
- Development of a significant recreational trail in Yarragon for walkers and cyclists.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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