Golden Plains Shire Council has secured a $30,000 grant to support local events to return to strength following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant from the Victorian Government’s Regional Recovery Fund is delivered to Council to provide assistance to community-led events including COVID safe event planning.
In Golden Plains Shire, the grant has been invested in 10 event marquees, event and COVID safe signage, and COVID safe apparel and resources to aid the delivery of favourite local events in the COVID environment including the Shelford Duck Race, Inverleigh Dachshund Derby, Turtle Bend Live and the Teesdale Twilight Carols and Market. The Geelong & District Carriage Drivers group has also benefitted as local members prepare to host the Victorian Carriage Driving Championships at the Leighdale Equestrian Centre in Teesdale in March 2022. In addition, three of the marquees will be held by Council and available for loan to other local events in the Shire.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says that Council is committed to supporting the social and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and thanks the Victorian Government for delivering this grant program.
“Council is always looking for funding opportunities and ways to support our Shire’s much-loved community events. We are pleased to have secured this Victorian Government grant to purchase important infrastructure that will get these events back up and running for our local communities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us hard in many different ways and most of our favourite annual Golden Plains events were not able to run last year. The new marquees, signage and COVID resources will ensure that we can welcome back our favourite local events for residents and visitors to enjoy in a COVID safe environment.”
The Victorian Government’s Regional Recovery Fund grant will benefit several local event committees including, left to right: Glenn Jeffery of the Shelford Duck Race, Nicole Linic and Olivia of the Geelong & District Carriage Drivers, with horse Chocolate; Marlene Gillett of the Inverleigh Dachshund Derby; David Bruce of Turtle Bend Live and the Teesdale Twilight Carols & Market; and Mayor Cr Helena Kirby.