Community Funding Program distributes $129,000 of grants

Published on 06 July 2016

Alvie Recreation Reserve

Colac Otway Shire Council is backing a community initiative that tackles pollution caused by plastic bags along the Great Ocean Road through its popular annual Community Funding Program.

The Otway Conservation Association attracted $1500 through the program’s Community Projects category for a ‘Boomerang Bags’ project that will mobilise volunteers to make re-useable bags from recycled materials donated by local community members and businesses.

Mayor Frank Buchanan said the bags would be made available on a ‘borrow and bring back’ basis and would encourage the Apollo Bay community to use a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, reducing the impact of pollution along the coastline.

A total of 68 community groups shared in $129,000 of grants as part of the annual Council funding program which was allocated in four categories – COPACC Assistance, Recreation Facilities, Small Equipment and Training, and Community Projects.

Cr Buchanan said the program had attracted some inspiring project applications from a diverse range of subscribers and it was fantastic to see many new groups in this year’s mix.

“This program supports community not-for-profit groups to match grants with dollar-to-dollar funding and volunteer hours to deliver their projects, many of which would not be possible without the assistance from Council’s program,” Cr Buchanan said.

“The greater community benefits as community groups are able to purchase equipment, carry out facility upgrades, undertake training and deliver community, sport, recreation and arts and cultural activities and programs.”

Cr Buchanan said highlights from this year’s program included $5000 in the Recreation Facilities category to install an underground electricity supply to the main irrigation dam at the Colac Golf Club, providing a greener energy solution and a safer operating environment.

In the Small Equipment and Training category Irrewarra-Beeac Football Netball Club received $1000 for new massage tables, stretchers and first aid bags to enhance the safety and wellbeing of players.

Elliminyt Primary School will showcase a performance at COPACC co-written by students thanks to a COPACC Assistance Grant, as will Colac West Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School and Colac Specialist School.

Cr Buchanan congratulated this year’s successful applicants and said he looked forward to seeing their projects and programs come to fruition.

An official presentation to recipients will take place during a Civic Reception at COPACC on Friday, 22 July 2016.

To view the full list of Community Funding recipients download the attached document.