NARRAWONG District Association has secured more than $10,000 worth of grants for their upcoming 2024 Bush Nippers program, with two different organisations stepping forward to assist with funding the event.

The association received $3000 worth of funding at the most recent round of Glenelg Shire Council Community Grants, while the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation put forth $8000 in funding.

Program coordinator Kathy Taylor said the funding will ensure the fourth edition of the Narrawong Bush Nippers can go ahead this year.

“It costs around $14,000 to run the program each year… we do rely on this kind of funding to get it going,” Ms Taylor said.

“The program is run by Life Saving Victoria, and would normally cost $90 per child, but the association subsidises some of that cost, so it comes down to $50 per child.”

Ms Taylor explained that the program is primarily centred around educating kids on water safety in a variety of different settings.

“We’ll use both the river and beach nearby to do some games and activities with the kids,” she said.

“The program is open to children aged 5-14 years, and it’s open to anyone who wishes to join up, not only Narrawong kids.

“Last I checked we had around 24 entries already, with spots available for about 60 children the sooner you get in the better.

“Narrawong is one of only six locations in the state which have access to this program, so we want to see as many people get behind it as possible.”

The program will run from January 3-6 next year, with sessions on between 9.30am and 11am or 11.30am and 1pm, with those interested in taking part able to visit Life Saving Victoria’s website to make their booking.