Moira Shire Council received 21 applications for round one of the 2021/22 Community Strengthening Grants Program with 12 recommended for funding at a total cost of $77,522.
These grants were made up of major up to $10,000 (two rounds), Quick Response up to $1,000 (always open) and Coronavirus Community Recovery Grants up to $2,500 (one round).
Cr Peter Lawless who moved the motion said this was a terrific program and the amount of applications was pleasing.
“We received 21 applications and although some applications weren’t included in this they were actually referred to other bodies where funding may have been available,” Cr Lawless said.
“It was great to see the spread of projects, it’s great to see those communities have come together and we’ve acknowledged their efforts and put some money in because we are seeing some really exciting things happening in our smaller communities and it is great we are supporting them.”
Cr Wayne Limbrick also reiterated Cr Lawless’s words saying that it was great that a wide variety of projects across the whole shire had been both applied for and selected.
“There is also a diverse range of projects,” Cr Limbrick said.
“They are not all sporting, and they are not all linked as they range from all sorts of things from structural improvements to improvements to picnic grounds and instalment of basketball rings.
“I think that’s a testament to the process that we had a huge range of projects apply for funding and I think that is very encouraging.”
The Tungamah Kickstart Incorporated was awarded $10,000 of their project cost of $12,505 for the installation of a basketball ring at Tungamah Tennis Court for adults and children to improve fitness, health and well-being.
The assessment panel commented that the project promotes health and wellbeing for adults and children and offers immediate community benefit.
The Yarrawonga Bowls Club was also awarded $10,000 of their $19,910 project cost for the upgrade of external seating and concrete for the Easter Tournament.
The project incorporates the delivery of a four-day Easter Tournament in 2022 which is estimated to bring over 280 competitors and guests from outside the region.
Funding will be to upgrade external seating and replace existing deteriorating road base and synthetic turf each side of the clubhouse with concrete.
The assessment panel said the funding will: “improve outdated look of club in preparation for a large event. Attracts members and visitors to area and promotes health and wellbeing.”
Other projects included the Cobram Barooga Canoe Club, Friends of Numurkah Town Hall, Friends of Wilby and District Memorial Hall, Numurkah and District Historical Society, Numurkah RSL Sub-branch, Numurkah Town Band Incorporated, St James and District Community Plan, Strathmerton Football Netball Club, Waaia Community Plan Committee and the Wunghnu Bowling Club.
