Council
19 September, 2024
Funding flows for shire community groups
MOYNE Shire councillors voted to direct more than $147,000 in funding to community groups across the shire under the first round of council’s Community Assistance Fund for 2024/25.
At Monday’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, the last before next month’s local government election, councillors approved $110,296 in matched funding to groups across the shire for projects over $3000 including new lawnmowers, roofing, engineering investigation, cricket nets and more.
Mayor Ian Smith said the Community Assistance Fund was a major way of supporting community groups with their projects.
“The purpose of this fund is to help clubs and groups improve their facilities, acquire new equipment, or launch programs and initiatives that provide significant benefits to the broader community,” he said.
“This list exemplifies that perfectly.
“This fund is one of the best things we do as a council, and it’s been great to see so many applications for worthy projects and facilities.
“This funding encourages self-determination amongst groups and creates collaborative partnerships with council that help build resilient communities.
“We very much look forward to seeing these projects come to life and congratulate all the latest funding recipients.”
Another $37,553 was awarded in the under $3000 category.
Recipients included:
Laang Recreation Reserve Committee Inc - $1059 to purchase new tennis nets and softfall;
Mortlake Bowls Club - $3000 to replace wooden bench seating; and
Hexham Community Association - $2900 to purchase a new mower.
One application was denied for the Mortlake Community Development Committee, which had sought funding for a history board at the Mortlake Swimming Pool.
The application was deemed ineligible as the design would need to comply with signage policy and guidelines.
The concept of the design had been agreed, but the project requires additional budget funds for graphic design and has been encouraged to submit an updated application under round two of the fund next year.
Cr Jim Doukas, as mover of the motion, said it was a great fund and offered congratulations to the successful recipients.
“Thank you to all organisations; the volunteers are the backbone of the community,” he said.
“We can’t do enough for them; good luck to them, and good luck to the round two applicants.”
Cr Damian Gleeson, as seconder, said the fund was a “great way” to invest in the community.
“The over $15,000 total is $110,000 and they’re matched dollar-for-dollar, so that’s $220,000 investment back in to the groups that have applied, which is serious skin in the game.
“It’s an awesome thing, it’s a great thing that council does.”
Cr Jordan Lockett also spoke in favour of the motion.
“It’s wonderful to see, and sometimes we may be critiqued for focusing on certain parts of the shire, but this funding in particular always has a great spread across the shire,” he said.
“From Purnim to Koroit, Port Fairy, Winslow, Macarthur and Hexham – just to name a few.
“There’s always a really good spread across the shire, so it’s great to see.”
The motion received unanimous support.