Council
5 March, 2025
Funds remaining under popular council program
MORE than half of the funds allocated under a popular council program have yet to be awarded, with community groups having just a few weeks to cash in on some quick funding.
Over the last three months (November 2024 – January 2025) only 13 applications were lodged under Corangamite Shire Council’s Ready Now grant program, with nine grants approved through this financial year period.
The Ready Now grants program supports the community with small quick grants to volunteer-based community groups for proposals that are not readily able to be considered under the Community, Enabling, Events and Festivals, Facilities or Environmental Grants programs.
The program provides small allocations of funds of up to $500 for beneficial projects and activities supporting community inclusion and participation and providing equipment, facilities and public spaces that are appropriate for community use.
Grants are open to volunteer-based community groups operating within Corangamite Shire.
The 2024-2025 Ready Now program budget allocation is $25,000, but grants to a total value of only $10,584 have been awarded in the 2024-2025 financial year as at January 31, 2025.
During last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, councillor Jo Beard said she and her fellow councillors need to “lift their game”.
“There is over half the funds still there, four months left to go, and we do not like seeing funds returned to revenues,” she said.
“It is up to us to rally our community groups.
“We are all part of our clubs and we know where there can be some quick little wins for these community groups.
“We can help them out with small funds which will make a big difference.”
Councillor Nick Cole supported the motion, praising the grants as a “great thing”.
“It’s a great thing for these communities to be able to get these small grants, and they are only small, but they help enormously,” he said.
“They just help make things a bit easier, to do those little things that they need, like four music stands for a band.
“$440 is not an insignificant amount, it does make a massive difference and it helps.”
Thanks to the Ready Now grants, the Lakes and Craters Band were able to receive $440 for the purchasing of four music stands.
Other recipients between November 2024 – January 2025 included Cobrico Hall Committee of Management, Port Campbell Baptist Church, Camperdown Theatre Company, Timboon Mens Shed, Camperdown Uniting Church, Timboon Action, Timboon Basketball Association and Hampden Tennis Association.
Any community groups who believe they may be eligible for a Ready Now grant are encouraged to apply through Corangamite Shire Council.
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