PASSIONATE community members and residents from the Moira Shire are being encouraged to get creative in coming up with ways to strengthen their community, with the recent announcement of the Community Strengthening Grants Program.
There are major grants available for projects up to $10,000 and minor grants for projects up to $5,000 on offer. These grants aim to provide funding for art and culture projects, community events, equipment, health promotion, environmental sustainability, tourism and infrastructure.
Moira Shire Mayor, Cr Libro Mustica said the Community Strengthening Grants Program was a great way to kick-start a community initiative.
“Community grants are a vital function of Moira Shire Council,” Cr Mustica said. “They help facilitate projects which enrich the whole community and can assist in the development of service, management of facilities, coordination of events and promotion of tourism, environmental sustainability and health in the community.”
Art and culture projects or events could include holding skills development workshops, hosting music events or art exhibitions, or workshops with community public art outcomes.
Health promotion ideas include projects supporting active and healthy lifestyles or opportunities to educate the community about mental health or drug and alcohol issues.
Previous examples of equipment and infrastructure projects, which have been successfully funded through the Community Strengthening Grants Program include funds for fencing/bollards, sporting club equipment, sound systems and defibrillators.
Cr Mustica added, “Under the environmental sustainability category, you can submit applications for projects that save water, energy or emissions such as the purchase of water-saving fixtures and appliances, rooftop solar systems and energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting.”
Applications close at 4pm on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. For more information about the grants, visit Moira Shire Council’s website at www.bit.ly/2jRq3gK. If you require access to a computer, libraries and community houses across the shire have computers available for public use by appointment.
