16 community groups receive funding for exciting projects
Published on 25 September 2024
Accessibility items for Maldon Bowling Club, a wildlife nesting box project and a project to support play groups in the shire are some of the local projects funded through the latest round of Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Community Grants program.
The 16 community groups will share in almost $50,000 as Council partners with locals to deliver projects that foster connection and community across the shire.
This round of funding will help fully establish the Graffiti Busters Group, which will see a team of volunteers actively monitor and remove graffiti as from private properties in the shire.
The inaugural Newstead Young Writers Festival received the $10,000 Partnership Grant. The October festival will see young writers and artists embrace their love of literacy, as they come together with professional authors and illustrators to explore and develop their craft.
Other grant recipient groups include:
- A pilot program of the Open Exchange which will facilitate a Migrant/Refugee Men's Circle.
- Business Mount Alexander Inc. will partner with the Mount Alexander Employment, Education and Training Network to run a series of Ready for Work forums designed to connect small businesses with students, school leavers and job-seekers.
- Castlemaine Fringe will run an Art Studios Trail for artists living with a disability, that will feature a live painting installation from local artists Ned Middleton and Tobias Richardson.
The Community Grants have been awarded to a mixture of not-for-profit organisations, local clubs and community groups.
Together they present a diverse range of projects and opportunities with focus on the arts, environmental, social inclusion and other projects that support local tourism – all of which will benefit residents across the shire.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Director of Corporate and Community Services, Lisa Knight, said the Community Grants program is one of the ways that Council supports community groups.
“Our shire is very passionate and community-focused,” said Ms Knight.
“We have community groups that offer connection, support, creativity, active lifestyles and more.
“I’m thrilled to see a diverse range of community groups receive funding this round.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these exciting projects and initiatives come to fruition, and I encourage anyone looking to connect with their community to see what’s on offer.”
Council offers two rounds of Community Grants every year. The next round of grants opens on Monday 20 January 2025.
Find out more about the application process, and read the full list of recipients, at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Grants.
Image: Glennis and Nola with Cycling Without Age Australia, 2023 Community Grant recipients