More than $72,000 will be handed out to 16 groups and organisations in round one of the 2022-23 East Gippsland Shire Council ‘Community Projects Grants’ and ‘Arts and Heritage Grants’ programs.

Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves said one of the benefits of the long-standing Community Grants Program is its ability to inject funding into some of the region’s smaller communities and groups where fundraising may be more challenging.

"These grants help with minor upgrades to important community hubs such as hall kitchens and clubrooms. They also support community initiatives not linked to infrastructure. The projects in round one of the Community Projects Grants alone have a total delivery value of more than $348,000,” Cr Reeves said.

The Arts and Heritage Grants program offers support to artists and local organisations to present and develop arts activity and heritage projects.

“The program aims to foster a strong sense of local identity, creativity, and community spirit,” Cr Reeves said.

“The community value-adding aspect of the programs means that Council achieves more value for each dollar expended than would be the case for projects without these partnerships. All funding is provided on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis.”

 Community Projects:

• Upgrade Glenaladale Hall $5,000
• Peaceful Memories, Bemm River Community Centre Inc $5,000
• Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club Safety Equipment $720.55
• Cassilis Community Resources $2,681.36
• Omeo Community Hub $5,000
• Going solar system project, Swan Reach Reserve Committee of Management $5,000
• Asset protection from wildfire, Orbost Pony Club $5,000
• Swifts Creek Gun Club/Post Bushfire and COVID-19 Re-Opening $4,457.50
• Aim High Whilst Having Fun - Music Alongside Professionals, Crashendo East Gippsland $5,000
• Preservation of Historic Building SS#1723, Rosehill Hillside School $4,100

‍Arts and Heritage:

• Lost in the Groove: a free community music fiesta (Orbost, Lindenow, Marlo) $10,000
• Star Wars: The Umpire Strikes Back (Tambo Upper Primary School production) $2,000
• NowGroove (accessible music program) $3,000
• Raymond Island Ferry History $5,000

Community Projects and Arts and Heritage(combined):

• Medieval Winter Fire Festival, Bruthen Arts and Events Council $5,000
• East Gippsland Geezers On Tour (theatre and comedy group) $5,000

“Council recognises the valuable contributions of all of these community groups,” Cr Reeves said.

“I encourage all clubs and groups to have a look at our grants programs and see what items on their ‘to do’ lists might be eligible. You have nothing to lose by applying.”

Where groups are not successful in attracting a grant, Council officers then work with the applicants to provide feedback on their application and to seek other funding opportunities.

Learn more about Council grants.

‍