$75,000 Awarded to Local Community Groups

Published on 15 December 2023

Council has awarded a total of $75,000 to community groups in Ancona, Matlock, Howqua Inlet, Goughs Bay, Peppin Point, Woods Point and Merrijig.

The funds, which were awarded through Council’s Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund, will help develop and improve community infrastructure.

The total budget for the fund was increased by Mansfield Shire Council from $50,000 to $75,000 in the 2023-24 Budget. Eligible community groups could apply for grants of up to $20,000.

“Programs like this help our very capable groups across the shire make a real difference in their own community,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.

“Council has been very happy to see the projects successfully delivered in outlying areas through the previous three rounds of funding. Increasing the budget this year meant more groups could benefit.”

After a robust assessment process, seven community groups were awarded funds for projects that would build, develop, or enhance local infrastructure in outlying communities, including:

Ancona Hall Committee Incorporated for $15,000 to rejuvenating Ancona Hall for community use, including provision by Council of a re-located water tank (in-kind) as part of this project.
Matlock Cemetery Trust for $10,342.88 to the Matlock Cemetery Public facilities improvement project.
Howqua Inlet Community - auspiced by Jamieson Community Group & Associated Bodies Inc. for $10,000 to the Howqua Inlet Community Trail project to get this to a shovel-ready point through design and planning.
Goughs Bay Area Progress Association for $17,286 to Goughs Bay Playground project.
Peppin Hub Incorporated for $2,710.40 to Peppin Hub Community Centre signage project.
Woods Point Progress Association for $8,660.00 to Woods Point Goldfield’s Museum Building Restoration project.
Mansfield Motorcycle Club for $10,964 for works including a water tank and pump to be used by all members of McCormack Park.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie congratulated the grant recipients.

“We received an incredibly high calibre of applications this year and would like to congratulate everyone who submitted,” he said.

“The work being done by community groups across Mansfield Shire is amazing, and Council looks forward to seeing these projects completed to provide infrastructure improvements to each of the areas; delivered by the community, for the community.”

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply.”

Council will continue to work with applicants who did not receive funding in this round to provide feedback to strengthen their applications and explore opportunities for potential future funding.

For more information about the Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund visit Council’s website at mansfield.vic.gov.au/Outlying-Communities-Infrastructure-Fund