Community Strengthening Grants awarded - round 2 2023

Published on 16 November 2023

West Wimmera Shire Council has awarded money to seven community groups as part of its Community Strengthening Grants Program.

The grants applications were submitted under round two of the 2023 grant program.

Council approved applications received from Harrow Men’s Shed, Kaniva Cricket Club, Minimay Memorial and Recreational Hall, Edenhope Motorcycle Club, Bill’s Gully Welfare Group, Goroke Swimming Pool, and Kaniva Group CFA.

Edenhope Motorcycle Club will receive $5000 to go towards the installation of a watering system at the motocross track.

Kaniva Cricket Club will receive $4000 to go towards resurfacing the centre wicket at the Kaniva Recreation Reserve. The group wants to install a new synthetic green surface for match days and training.

Bill’s Gully Welfare Group received $3566.98 to go towards drainage works.

Currently when it rains, water goes under the hall. The group wants to divert this water, so it doesn’t cause structural damage to the 110-year-old building.

The group also wants to install a retaining wall, which will double as permanent seating.

Goroke Swimming Centre will receive $3500 to go towards repairs and upgrades, ready for the 2023-24 season.

Repair works include upgrading the pool’s solar heating, as well as repairing filters and pumps.

Harrow Men’s Shed received $2688.09 to go towards upgrading its bandsaw for safety purposes.

Kaniva Group CFA received $2064 to go towards purchasing two T-Go units, which help maximise mobile signal in areas of low coverage.

The group previously received a grant from Telstra to provide eight units in their CFA command vehicles and fire trucks, however they were then left with two vehicles without the T-Go units.

Minimay Memorial and Recreational Hall received $1901.21 to upgrade the hall’s hot water system, replacing the old gas unit with an electric one.

Mayor Tim Meyer said it was great to be able to award the community groups money for these important projects.

“These are all worthy projects that will help these groups complete much-needed upgrades and projects,” he said.

Cr Meyer said all the applications were of good merit that would benefit the community.

The Community Strengthening Grants program is designed to promote and increase participation of residents in community initiatives, to build and strengthen local networks and partnerships, and to support community leadership, learning, and skill development.

This funding has two rounds each year and there are three categories for the funding – community projects, community events, and facilities upgrades.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for some categories.

For more information on the grants, including guidelines, eligibility, and application forms, go to www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Council/Grants-and-Funding/Community-Strengthening-Grants or call 13 99 72.