Hindmarsh Shire Council awarded their first round of Community Action Grants for the 2017/2018 year at their meeting on 23rd August.

Community Action Grants were introduced in 2013 to support not for profit community groups with funds to provide services, self-help and assistance in areas such as community development, social interaction and connectedness.

There are four categories, Event Sponsorship, Minor Facility Upgrade, Small Equipment and Community Assistance grants available for community groups to seek funding through.

The first round of the 2017/2018 funding program attracted 13 applications with funding requests totalling $11,594.00 with the successful applicants including the following:

Community Assistance Category
Rainbow Golf Club was awarded $1,000 to assist with the purchase of new distance markers.

Event Sponsorship Category
The Little Desert Rodders and Collectors were awarded $500 to assist with the cost of advertising for their Dimboola Swap Meet and Show "n' Shine event.

West Wimmera Health Service was awarded $500 to assist with the Loop the Greens Fun Run / Walk.

Nhill Town Committee received $1,000 to assist with the February Friday Fiestas

Small Equipment Category
Nhill Bowling Club was awarded $1,000 to purchase a water fountain at their clubrooms.

Nhill Fire Brigade was awarded $1,000 to purchase Emergency Access Equipment.

The 1st Rainbow Scout Group received funding of $235 to purchase a new printer.


Minor Facility Upgrades
Wurega Aboriginal Corporation was awarded funding of $1,500 to improve access into their Wurega Meeting Place in Dimboola.

Nhill Lions Club obtained funding of $1,000 to assist with upgrades to their toilet facilities at their clubrooms.

A total amount of $7,735.00 was allocated to these community organisations.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Cr Debra Nelson said that this funding program is highly sought after.

"The Community Action Grants program continues to be a sought after funding program for a wide variety of community groups and organisations. Unfortunately this latest round included a number of ineligible applications."

"I encourage any organisations considering applying for funds in the future to seek guidance or clarification from Council staff prior to completing the application," Cr Nelson said.

"The recipients of the first round of 2017/2018 were all worthy of their allocation and I wish them all the best with their individual projects."

Applications for round two of the Event Sponsorship program closes on Friday 27 October 2017 while round three of all four categories close on Friday 23 February 2018.

For further information regarding the Community Action Grants program please contact Michelle Farinha, Community Development Officer on 5391 4444 or via email on grants@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.