By Parker McKenzie
Several local projects in the Dandenong Ranges have been given a boost through the state government’s Living Local Fund, with the successful applications announced on Wednesday October 12.
Included in the funding was $96,000 for the Belgrave Traders Association’s The Belgrave Calling Project, $49,276 for Coonara Community House to partner with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place to create a safe and inclusive space for the local community, $22,000 for Belgrave Lake Cottage to replace outdated playground equipment, $147,878 for new lighting at Worrell Reserve and $8,485 for Emerald Community House to purchase solar panels.
Emerald Community House manager Mary Farrow said the grant money would be used to install solar power atop shade shelters.
“We’ve got our solar component to go on the roof of the shade shelter so it’s not just a shade shelter, it’s not just protecting kids from the sun, it’s using the sun to power the house,” she said.
“In our environment, providing food for people, childcare for people and having energy in preparation for disasters it is great not only for blue sky time but for when things go wrong.”
More than 400 projects received funding through the $15 million fund around Victoria through two different streams: the suburban grants awarded to projects “designed to improve suburban shopping strips and public spaces, upgrade safety and accessibility or provide new playgrounds, splash parks, community gardens and public art,” or the community grants stream which “supports local organisations to continue their important work with minor building refurbishment for funds to acquire equipment.”
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the grants are “supporting the Dandenong Ranges community to live local by delivering the infrastructure and services our community deserves.”
Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing said the state government is determined to support local projects across Cardinia Shire and Yarra Ranges.
“As our communities continue to grow, it’s so important to continue our record support for the groups and organisations that bring people of all ages and abilities together to do the things they love,” she said.
