By Derek Schlennstedt
Community groups around the Yarra Ranges will share in more than $400,000 in grants for projects, events and festivals, after funding was approved at the 22 October council meeting.
The grants, to be given out under the council’s 2020 Grants for Community Program, were approved unanimously by councillors at the meeting.
Some 75 projects across the municipality will share in $420,930 in grants funding, separated into three streams – Arts and Heritage Development Grants, Festivals and Events Grants and Community Development Grants.
Festivals and events such as the Upwey Billy Cart Race, Badger Creek Community Celebration and Halloween on the Green were all funded, with $3,500, $6,240, and $10,000 respectively.
An Arts and Heritage grant worth $10,000 was given to Yarra Valley ECOSS for its project, Dreamtime Mural of the Woiwurrung people, and another $10,000 grant was allocated to Burrinja Community Cultural Centre for its project Dancing Place; Corhanwarrabul.
Community Development grants were given out to The Hills Food Frontier ($4000), to plan and develop an edible village in Kallista, and Mountain Men – a project designed to deliver health based initiatives, which support positive activity, engagement and inclusion of men in the Dandenong Ranges – received a grant of $6000.
An Inspiro pilot program called Young Leaders – Let’s Take Action for Gender Equality and Respect received a $10,000grant.
The Young Leaders pilot engages middle years children aged 8-12 from three schools in the Yarra Ranges in the development of a student voice project promoting gender quality and respect.
Participants will share their voice on what gender equality means for them and their peers, and how gender stereotypes affect their school’s community.
The motion to accept the grants was moved by Walling Ward Councillor Len Cox and seconded by Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister.
“This is one of Council’s best activities, I believe,” Cr Cox said.
“This is a great system which enables council to give money to groups and individuals who want do something for our community, and if you look at the list we’ve got groups promoting environmental stewardship, combatting youth homeless, and providing platforms for mental health initiatives.”
A grants celebration event will be held on 28 November, for the successful applicants – the report said the event will also showcase successful projects from 2019.
For the full list of recipients, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
