MORE than $80,000 funding has been awarded to organisations across Glenelg Shire – a quarter of that to Casterton district groups – in the latest round of community grants.

Cash injections for hall and facility upgrades, community events and sporting equipment have been awarded to 48 projects by community not-for-profit groups and organisations, shire-wide.

Among the beneficiaries were the Casterton and District Historical Society, which received $980 for the purchase of a new laptop, Dartmoor Hall will undergo an external facelift with $1980 for new paintwork, the Merino Progress Association has $1000 to spend on a new fridge and barbecue and Henty Memorial Recreation & Sporting Centre will have a new hot water service installed with its $968 grant.

The Rotary Club of Casterton received $1000 to assist with the Kelpie Art Show on the June long weekend, while Casterton P&A received $5000 to assist with entertainment costs at the annual Casterton Show.

Glenelg Shire Mayor, Scott Martin said council was proud to provide ongoing support to the shire’s not-for-profit organisations and hardworking volunteers.

“There were many worthy projects submitted for consideration, highlighting the amazing things that continue to go on in our shire,” Cr Martin said.

“The funded projects are spread right throughout the region and represent the diverse needs of our residents, including our passion for sport, local history and community events.

“Importantly, all money delivered 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 our community.”

Cr Karen Stephens said it was a relief to see a huge number of applications for this latest round, when councillors had previously raised concerns about ‘under subscription’ to the funding.

Just 12 months ago, more than $9000 was left in the allocated community grants $81,000 kitty – not because councillors held money back, but because of an increasing lack of applications for the funding.

“I’m disappointed,” Cr Gilbert Wilson said at that time.

“We are putting just under $10,000 back into our revenue, because of a lack of applications.

“Now, if this keeps going, we’re going to have to review how much we put on the table for the groups.

“What I’m saying is, a call-out for round one of next year – which is later this year – to get the clubs to put in and make a claim, because I hate clubs missing out on dollars, especially dollars out of this budget.”

That call-out was answered in September last year, with $77,000 in funding handed out to 34 community organisations in round one of the 2022/2023 grants and in round two, announced last week, applications were made for the full allocation of funding.

“This is one of the most important programs we run as a council, to ensure grass-roots organisations have access to the money they need to continue the essential work they do in and for the community,” Cr Stephens said this week.

“Whether it’s a sporting club or a community hall, an arts or historical organisation, they are all vital to bringing the community together, providing go-to spaces for residents and visitors and venues and volunteers for local events.

“They are some of the hardest workers in our community and are unpaid, so its really important that they have access to – but really importantly, apply for – this type of funding.”

Cr Stephens also said it was never too early for organisations to be preparing for the next round of community grants.

“If you have something in the pipeline, an idea for a new project, maintenance that’s needed for your equipment or buildings, start getting your quotes together, project scope written up, have all of your ducks in a row for the first round of funding in the 2023/2024 financial year,” she said.

The Glenelg Shire Council provides around $162,000 each financial year for community grants.

This is split into two rounds, with applications generally invited in July and February.

Not-for-profit community organisations or groups are invited to submit applications under categories of recreation, public halls, community events, community strengthening and arts, culture and heritage.

Up to $1000 can be applied for without any contribution and for amounts above $1000 and up to $5000, a dollar-for-dollar contribution is required from the community organisation/group. 

Keep an eye out in the Casterton News for the opening of round one of the 2023/2024 community grants.

Casterton district community grants recipients for round two 2022/2023:

Casterton & District Historical Society - purchase of laptop computer $980 trolley for document storage $967

Merino Progress Association - fridge and barbecue $1000

Rotary Club of Casterton - Kelpie Art Show 2023 $1000

Casterton P&A Society - Casterton Show Entertainment $5000

Casterton RSL Sub-Branch  - interior upgrade $1000

Dartmoor Hall & Recreation Reserve - paint exterior $1980

Henty Memorial Recreation & Sporting Centre - hot water service $968.41

Bahgallah Memorial Hall Committee Inc - amenities: fire pit $1000

Casterton RSL Sub-Branch  - come & try kayak day $1000

Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club - safety equipment posts and new fridge $1500

Casterton Amateur Basketball Association - junior equipment $1000

Casterton Sporting Motorcycle Club - big screen VORC  $2500