Council’s Community Grants program has an impact in all corners of Greater Geelong.
We allocated funding to a total of 118 projects in the latest round of the program, issuing a total of $768,766.
Recipients tapped into five different grant categories, covering different pursuits such as the arts, environment, healthy communities and events.
I’m really pleased that several grants will assist specific initiatives in Ocean Grove.
The Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival was thought to be the first music event of its kind in Australia, when it launched in 2022.
Held at The Pavilion, the free concert showcased a wide range of local musical talent on the superb stage.
Council has provided $6000 to organiser Jon Mamonski, to help put on another edition of the festival.
One of the homegrown artists who performed at that festival, Andrea Robertson, has also received a Council grant of $9700.
Singer-songwriter Robertson is leading an initiative titled Bellarine – On The Rise.
While I won’t spoil any details for that project, Robertson is coincidentally playing at one of the first events for the Potato Shed’s 2024 season next month.
Americana on the Bellarine, which was a sell-out event at the council-managed venue last year, is sure to be another success for the Shed.
Another fantastic community-driven event council is rapt to support is Christmas in the Grove.
Led by the Ocean Grove Business Association, the street party brings residents together and helps to promote and showcase local traders.
Council is very happy to be able to provide $5000 to help the business association deliver Christmas in the Grove for another festive season.
In the sport and recreation space, we have allocated grants to support events and to assist local clubs with some much-needed purchases.
SW Events has received $4000, to support the running of the Barwon Heads Triathlon.
Held the last weekend in February, the Barwon Heads Triathlon is a great event for first timers, providing a gateway to the unique challenges of the three legs.
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club will use a $2000 allocation to buy laptops, while Surfside Waves Soccer Club will get some new training equipment with its $1974 grant.
As part of our commitment to net zero, council supports the transition away from gas to a low-carbon future.
The Electrify Ocean Grove initiative, led by Goodbye Gas Pty Ltd, will help more local homes to make the switch to electricity, through a $15,000 grant.
There’s so many more great initiatives that have received a Community Grant.
You can see the full list of 2023-24 recipients – and view the grant categories that will be opening up in the future – at geelongaustralia.com.au/grants
