Council noted the awarding of the grants at the July Council Meeting, which included a total of $22,255.74 for Round Two of the 2021/2022 Community Matching Grants Program. Community Matching Grants support the development and implementation of community projects and activities which aim to build new social connections, enable new skills, allow participation and revitalise places and spaces within the community.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available per project, with each project required to provide a matching component of the total project cost. The successful applicants included Shepparton Croquet Club Incorporated, Astronomical Society of Victoria, Primary Care Connect, Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group, Kialla Golf Club, and Know Your Rights – Point of Difference. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment, create a community garden, host a Reconciliation Week event and a community project.
“It is fantastic to see the variety of projects and initiatives which are being funded through this round of the Community Matching Grants Program,” Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
“Council are pleased to be able to continue this funding support each year which helps strengthen our community and bring a range of positive social and economic returns.”
A total of $7,218.00 was also awarded to five community groups as part of the 2022 Small Town Festive Decorations Grant Program. This grant helps support community organisations to purchase and install festive decorations within their small towns.
Grants of up to $2,000 were available per project, with the Mooroopna Men’s Shed, Katandra West Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, Tatura Community Plan Group, Lions Club of Toolamba and Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed each successful in their applications.
“The Festive Decorations Grant Program is another important grant program run by Council to help support the many small towns in our region. The grant enables local community organisations to purchase and install festive decorations such as lighting, Christmas trees, feature decorations, signage and banners,” Cr Sali said.
“Council host a range of grant programs each year and I encourage local community groups to consider applying if they are eligible. The funding is allocated and ready to be distributed back into the community, all we need is clubs, groups and organisations to apply for their share.”
Round One of the 2022/2023 Community Grants Program is now open. Head to Council’s website Grants and funding page.
Information on each of the successful applicants is included below.
Community Matching Grants Round Two – 2021/2022
| Applicant | Grant details | Amount received (GST free) |
| Shepparton Croquet Club Incorporated | Supply and installation of CCTV cameras to increase public and member safety. | $2,505.00 |
| Astronomical Society of Victoria (Shepparton Branch) | Purchase of three telescopes which will be made available for loan and use by Greater Shepparton residents. | $1,923.74 |
| Primary Care Connect | Community Garden Space project – the development and reinstatement of a community garden at Primary Care Connect. | $3,000.00 |
| Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group | Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group in partnership with the local Aboriginal community group, Wulumbarra, plans tohold an event at Kaieltheban Park during Reconciliation Week. | $5,000.00 |
| Kialla Golf Club | Purchase of a new spray unit spreader. | $4,827.00 |
| Know Your Rights – Point of Difference | Winyarrs' Weaving Circle - This project, initiated by local artist Tammy Lee Atkinson, is a chance for women of all ages and cultural backgrounds to gather to learn the ancient art of weaving, to yarn, and to understand more about First Nations culture and issues. | $5,000.00 |
| Total | $22,255.74 |
Small Town Festive Decorations Grants – May 2022
| Applicant | Grant details | Amount received (GST included) |
| Mooroopna Men’s Shed | Illuminated Christmas Box.The Men’s Shed currently has a number of Christmas boxes that are displayed in the main street of Mooroopna during the festive season. It is intended to purchase and install an illuminated box on top of one of these Christmas boxes. | $2,000.00 |
| Katandra West Recreation Reserve Committee of Management | Wreath and baubles. Purchase new decorations to be used at the Recreation Reserve to provide the opportunity for the community to come together during the festive season. | $1,427.00 |
| Tatura Community Plan Group | Lighting and tree program.Upgrade the lights around the rotunda at Mactier Park as well as working with the Tatura Lions Club to make Christmas trees to be installed near the area. | $1,696.00 |
| Lions Club of Toolamba | New festive decorations.The Lions club members will install Christmas decorations at Collaura Gardens in Wren Street and at other points around town to make the township look cheerful and festive. | $800.00 |
| Tallygaroopna Men’s Shed | New festive decorations.The Men’s Shed Group have requested funds to build a mix of Christmas decorations made of wood or steel (and painted), featuring solar powered decorative lights to be installed throughout the town. | $1,295.00 |
| Total | $7,218.00 |
