Following a successful first round earlier this year, Council has opened its COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants for a second round from today.
Supported by the Victorian Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Program, the grants are designed to fund activities that will assist community groups adapt and recover from the changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are available in two categories:
Operating in COVID Environment Grant
This grant will assist community organisations and groups build their capacity to operate in a COVID-safe environment, and can go towards expenses that help community groups deliver their existing and new services or programs in line with COVID-19 restrictions. Grants of up to $1,000 are available in this category.
Community Engage, Connect and Recover Initiatives
Funding of up to $4,000 is available in this category to support community organisations deliver new or existing projects, programs and activities that will help Golden Plains Shire communities to recover from COVID-19.
All activities must comply with the latest health and Victorian Government restrictions.
Applications for Round Two grants will close at 5pm, Monday 5 April, 2021 or until all funds are allocated. All applications must be submitted online at goldenplains.smartygrants.com.au. Guidelines and details on how to apply for the COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants are available here. Community groups seeking more information on the program are encouraged to contact Council's Community Development Officer on 5220 7227 or email [email protected].
In Round One, Council allocated $20,899 in grants to 16 community projects across Golden Plains Shire. Projects and events funded include the Garibaldi Hall Community Hub, Inverleigh Mechanics Institute’s Connect and Share digital skills program, the Teesdale Auskick program and the Woady Yaloak Historical Society’s Australia Day BBQ.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged community groups to apply and take advantage of the program’s second round.
“After a great first round, Council is reopening our COVID-19 Quick Response Community Grants to support more community groups. These grants will help eligible organisations activate community spaces and deliver new or improved programs, services and events, all in a COVID-safe manner.
“The grant program is part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on local residents, businesses and organisations in Golden Plains Shire, which is still just as important as the vaccine rollout gets underway, hopefully bringing the pandemic to an end.
“In the first round, 16 well deserving community programs and events shared in $20,899 of funding. Council was really pleased to be able to support community groups from Ross Creek to Barunah Park, and I hope to see more of our Shire’s wonderful groups apply in this new round of funding.”
Projects funded in Round One
| Community Group | Project or Event Name | Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meredith Community Centre | ‘Welcome to Meredith’ | $1,300 |
| Inverleigh Mechanics Institute | ‘Connect and Share’ | $2,617 |
| GP Arts Inc | ‘Moving Forward’ | $3,000 |
| Woady Yaloak Historical Society | Australia Day BBQ | $380 |
| The Garibaldi Hall Committee | Garibaldi Hall Community Hub | $2,240 |
| Ross Creek - Smythes Creek Community Group | Ross Creek - Smythes Creek Community Catch-Ups | $2,349 |
| Ross Creek - Smythes Creek Community Group | Ross Creek - Smythes Creek Community Newsletter | $920 |
| Barunah Park Recreation Reserve Inc | ‘COVID but still cosy!’ | $703 |
| Rokewood Pony Club | 2021 Events & Clinics Equipment | $2,000 |
| Rokewood Pony Club | COVID Safe Rallies and Events | $650 |
| Teesdale Cricket Club | TCC Meeting COVID-19 Requirements | $1,000 |
| Linton and District Progress Association | Equipment & Software to Support Hybrid LDPA Meetings | $660 |
| Inverleigh Playgroup | ‘Back to Playgroup’ | $1,000 |
| Teesdale Auskick Centre | Teesdale Auskick 2021 | $500 |
| CWA Inverleigh Branch | CWA Inverleigh COVID Restart Grant | $930 |
| Ross Creek Recreation Reserve Committee Incorporated | COVID-Safe Cleaning Supplies for The Morrissey Hall | $650 |