SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) is set to open round two of the 23/24 Community Partnership Grants program on Monday, January 29, 2024, with a series of workshops being held to assist the public in the application process.

SGSC mayor, David Robertson, said Council received a staggering 60 funding applications for round one of the annual funding program and is looking forward to receiving even more in round two.

“We are always impressed by the projects and initiatives that the community design to benefit not only community groups themselves but the broader shire and beyond,” he said.

“The community-driven nature of every grant application is admirable, and Council is thrilled to see what lies ahead for round two.”

Council allocated over $178,000 in round one of the 2023/24 community partnership grants program, from a total budget of $300,000 – applications for round two open on Monday, January 29 at 9am and close on Friday, February 26 at 4pm.

SGSC community engagement coordinator, Melanie Russell, said there will be a series of workshops to assist those who are wishing to apply.

“There will be a number of workshops held in the Hamilton Library that focus on preparing the application and the information that needs to be gathered as part of that. The workshops focus on submitting your application and making sure everything is ready for council assessment,” she said.

The drop-in sessions are at the Greater Hamilton Library between 12pm-4pm. Workshop One helps people get ready to apply and people can attend these sessions on Friday, January 12 and 19, whilst Workshop Two sessions will be held on Friday, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 to help applicants apply.

These are drop-in sessions, with no need to book – if you would like to book a time with the grants team outside these session times then contact Council.

The categories for Community Grant applications are Community Strengthening, Community Infrastructure, Arts and Culture, Tourism and Events, Heritage and Environment, and Sustainability.

SGSC has contributed more than $1 million to community groups since 2018/19 through grant funding, highlighting the constant innovation and drive of local community members.

Split annually into two rounds, community groups and individuals in the Shire are encouraged to apply for funding to help progress important community projects from idea into reality.

Cr Robertson said the Community Partnership Grants program was established to deliver grants that are responsive to the needs and opportunities of the community, inclusive and equitable to all.

“Council is committed to helping turn community project ideas into tangible realities through the support provided by this funding program,” he said.

For more information about the grants program and to view past recipients, please visit Council’s website.