Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Wednesday, 29 November, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council awards more than $50,000 in grants to community

The funding included a total of $32,868.50 for Round One of the 2023/2024 Community Matching Grants Program, with ten applicants sharing in the funding.

Council’s Community Matching Grants aim to build new social connections, encourage community participation, enable community skill development, and create, renew or revitalise community spaces. Funded projects have demonstrated that they are inclusive, have wide community support, and are sustainable.

A further $17,444.80 was awarded to five applicants under the Access and Inclusion Grant Program 2023/2024. This grant program supports businesses, community groups and not-for-profit organisations to improve access and inclusion for people with disabilities, their families, friends, and carers within the municipality.

Two streams of funding were offered under the Access and Inclusion Grant Program, with stream one providing up to $1,000 per successful applicant for non-structural developments, while stream two provided up to $10,000 in funding for minor capital works.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it is fantastic to see such a large sum of money distributed back into the community which will benefit the wider region.

“We are always pleased to deliver grants and funding to community groups and organisations which need a helping hand to achieve their goals, whether that be through hosting an event, purchasing upgraded equipment, improving access for community, or running workshops and training programs,” he said.

“We understand how important this grant funding can be and we look forward to seeing these successful applicants put the funding to good use.”

For more information about Council’s grants program and future funding opportunities, visit our website grants and funding page.

A full list of successful grant applicants is included below.

Community Matching Grants 2023/24 Round One

Organisation	Project	Grant awarded (GST free)
Tatura Civic Halls Inc.	Upgrade of electrical switchboards - Funding to upgrade electrical switchboards at Tatura Civic Hall Complex, enhancing safety and efficiency.	$5,000
Goulburn Valley Woodworkers	Woodworking Show - Funding to assist the 31^st annual Woodworking Show, the largest in regional Victoria.	$3,322
Shepparton Access	Gaming Café - Funding to establish a Gaming Cafe for people with disabilities, promoting community connection and learning through gaming.	$5,000
Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed Inc.	Cladding of shade shed – Funding to support the installation of cladding to the shed with Colourbond and add entry and roller doors to enhance the facilities.	$5,000
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre	Barbeque project - Funding to purchase a barbeque to host regular free community barbeques, fostering recovery from the 2022 floods and promoting social cohesiveness with the community.	$1,000
Toolamba Recreation Reserve and Community Centre Community Asset Committee	Lighting and kitchen facilities upgrade - Funding to upgrade the lighting and kitchen facilities at the Toolamba Community Centre to support various events and a coffee service.	$3,406.50
Murchison Community Plan	Art project - Funding to support a project to explore local history through visual art, involving residents creating new works inspired by historical artefacts.	$2,525
Primary Care Connect	Micro Kitchen Gardens Project - Funding to support a Micro Kitchen Gardens Project to encourage community members to grow their produce, addressing food insecurity and promoting mental wellbeing through workshops.	$1,850
Siasi Uesiliana Tauataina o Tonga i Aositelelia, Shepparton Branch	PA system for Community Hall - Funding to support a newly developed Tongan group purchase a PA system to promote cultural advancement of Tongans living in Greater Shepparton.	$5,000
Caniambo Public Hall	Renew window furnishings - Funding to replace deteriorated curtains with new blinds to refresh the hall and provide a more appealing environment for local events and the community.	$765
Total		$32,868.50

Access and Inclusion Grant Program 2023/24

Organisation	Project	Stream	Grant awarded (GST free)
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre	Creation of a sensory space - Provide a safe space for community members using the centre. The space will normalise the use of sensory and emotional regulation items across the community.	1	$500
Bunbartha Recreation Reserve	Installation of a step ramp - At the main entry door to provide access for people with mobility aides e.g. wheelchairs, walking aides and young children.	1	$200
Slade Consulting	Transcending the Narrative - This project will invite neurodivergent people on a journey of writing, re-writing, and transcending their story.	1	$660
Shepparton Access	Construction of a covered parking area - To increase the safety of visitors, staff and participants at Eco Park.	2	$10,000
Shepparton Heritage Centre	Installation of access ramp - An access ramp at the History Hub, Shepparton to provide safe and easy access for all users.	2	$6,084.80
Total			$17,444.80