THE list may be shorter than the previous round, but the results will be just as huge as 34 local organisations get to work on a list of projects, from buying tennis racquets for junior players, to funding residency for a pop-up art studio, to help them support their community.
Glenelg Shire Mayor, Anita Rank said council was proud to provide ongoing support to the shire’s not-for-profit organisations and hardworking volunteers, with latest Community Grants Program funding of more than $72,000.
“There were many worthy projects submitted for consideration, highlight the amazing things that continue to go on in our shire,” she said.
“The funded projects are spread right throughout the region and represent the diverse needs of our residents, including our passion for sport, youth development and music.
“Importantly all money delivered through our grants program will be injected straight back into the local economy, supporting not just our community groups, but local businesses and tradespeople.
“I congratulate all of our recipients and I look forward to seeing the impact these grants have upon the broad sectors of our community.”
In passing the 2021-22 round two funding allocations at the latest council meeting, Cr Jayden Smith said community grants was “the favourite thing of mine that I get to do each year”, as a councillor.
He said the program was a small price to pay, to support the army of tireless volunteers boasted by the shire.
“It’s pretty hard to put into words, how many volunteers or how many hours volunteers put into these community groups and not everyone can afford to give time and everyone knows that you can’t get the time back,” Cr Smith said.
“That time that people choose to give to their community group instead of their family and their friends, that’s the ultimate gift.”
Councillor Karen Stephens said the diverse applications in this round showed the huge reach the program had, in support of a broad cross-section of the community.
“They do make a difference to these grass roots community groups and they’re really important for them to remain viable, to remain a part of our community and continue to engage with each other,” Cr Stephens said.
Casterton Sandford Football Club President, Dylan Ayton, was at Thursday’s funding presentation gathering and
“We’re really excited and grateful to the shire for helping us to develop a history project at the club,” Mr Ayton said.
“Our committee is keen to ensure both the Casterton and Sandford Club’s histories are preserved and displayed in the clubrooms, alongside the records of the Casterton Sandford Club.
“But we are running out of room on the walls in the social rooms for honour boards, so a new set of screens will be established where the club’s histories will be shown to our members and guests in a rolling presentation.
“We couldn’t have achieved that goal without this grant.”
Casterton Sandford successfully applied for and received funding under previous community grants rounds, including one for the recently installed sound system, on the Island Park 1 oval.
“This sound system has just been a game changer, as far as functionality goes,” Mr Ayton said.
“Before this project was completed, loudspeakers, microphones and sometimes lots of wiring had to be brought in and set-up was required for anyone who needed to broadcast information at the ground.
“The intention was not only that our club would have a permanent, effective means for announcements on game days and special events, but that other community groups, such as the Kelpie Muster or P&A Society, could use it for their events.
“The system was installed in plenty of time for our local schools to use it at their athletics carnivals, including the Casterton Secondary College when it hosted the Glenelg District Athletics – they didn’t have to ‘BYO’ anything for announcements as they have done before, so it is already proving its worth.”
For further information regarding Council’s Community Grants program, including upcoming funding rounds, please visit the Glenelg Shire Council website.
