General News
11 September, 2024
Perspective: Community spirit on show in many volunteer organisations
By MARTHA HAYLETT ONE of my favourite things about the Loddon Shire is its community spirit. No matter what town I drive in to on my regular visits, I know I’ll be greeted by some of the best people you’ll ever meet. That community spirit can be...
By MARTHA HAYLETT
ONE of my favourite things about the Loddon Shire is its community spirit. No matter what town I drive in to on my regular visits, I know I’ll be greeted by some of the best people you’ll ever meet.
That community spirit can be seen in the hundreds of volunteer groups across the Shire – from Landcare groups to CFA brigades, Hall committees, RSL sub-branches, Men’s Sheds, sporting clubs and more.
It is important to me as your Member of Parliament that these groups can receive state government grants to support events, fix building repairs, and remain sustainable long-term.
I have started a grants alert system that sends information about available grants to our community, and anyone can sign up at marthahaylett.com.au, or by calling my office on 5461 1255.
I wanted to give readers a wrap up of available state government grants right now, in case you or others want to apply. Firstly, up to $100,000 is available for brand-new men’s sheds, upgrades of current sheds, or new equipment until 16 October.
Next is grants up to $10,000 for community groups or tourist and heritage rail groups who use VicTrack properties. This grant is open until 23 September and may help groups with small refurbishment projects, like in Bridgewater.
The Country Football Netball Program is also open until 30 September, providing grants up to $250,000 to councils to help rural football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations to upgrade their facilities. It could benefit clubs by upgrading change rooms, ovals, pavilions, or sports lighting.
Food relief grants are also available for the first time, helping neighbourhood houses, volunteer organisations, and others to provide fresh and healthy food to those struggling with the cost of groceries. The program is open until 10 September and includes local grants between $10,000 and $50,000.
Lastly, the next round of the much-loved Tiny Towns Fund is also open until 25 October. The fund provides grants from $5,000 to $50,000 for projects in communities with less than 5,000 residents.
Local groups can apply to fix their community hall, build a new playground or bike trail, install art, and more.
If you or a volunteer group you are a part of would like more information about any of these grants, feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to write you a letter of support to the relevant State Government Minister.
* Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon