Community Grants Available for Outlying Towns

Published on 16 September 2022

Grants of up to $20,000 are now available to outlying communities within the Mansfield Shire to develop facilities that enhance liveability and improve resilience and connectivity. Applications will be accepted until Friday 14 October 2022.

Incorporated not-for-profit and community groups are eligible to apply for funding from the $50,000 Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund to complete projects that provide capital improvements to facilities or land that will benefit the community.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said Council recognised these projects bring long-term value and benefit to our outlying communities.

“The contribution of these funds provides a good foundation that communities can contribute and add value to, in order to deliver infrastructure and facilities that support their unique needs,” he said.

“We are fortunate that our community groups are so engaged and committed to improving their respective townships and localities.”

Projects must be located within the Shire but outside of the Mansfield township.

The previous round of successful applications included the Tolmie Community Social Club, Merton Campdraft and the Goughs Bay Area Progress Association.

The Tolmie Community Social club are currently rebuilding their existing offices to create a multipurpose facility. The redeveloped facility will host the Social Club and Tolmie Sports. All-weather facilities will be available for campers and local users of the Tolmie Recreation Reserve.

Linda Terry from the Tolmie Community said this grant was great for the community.

“The injection of the funding received enables our Community Club to continue in all seasons and conditions, ensuring we remain connected not only socially, but be re-invigorated to volunteer, work and co-operate together post the pandemic,” she said.

As a result of funding received via the previous round, the Merton Campdraft Club are installing permanent steel livestock yards, a loading race and cut out pen at the Merton Recreation Reserve. The yards and equipment will support campdrafting and other rural sporting events.

Gail Hart, representative of the Goughs Bay Area Progress Association, said that a 4x4 metre skillion roof would be installed at the newly developed Goughs Bay Recreation Reserve.

“This grant has provided an additional BBQ shelter in Goughs Bay for the community to congregate and socialise as well as enhancing the recreation area for visitors and tourists,” she said.

Works are already in progress at Goughs’ Bay on the shelter site, with the concrete slab now in place, and are expected to be complete in the coming weeks.

Council encourages multiple applications from within the same community however successful applicants from the previous round cannot re-apply in this round.

For further details about the Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund and to view the guidelines, visit mansfield.vic.gov.au

Hard copy applications can also be obtained from the Mansfield Shire Council municipal office.