MEDIA STATEMENT
22 April 2022
Haines announces $150,000 in grants to Indi community groups
Twelve projects across Indi will share in nearly $150,000 funding under the Stronger Communities Programme, Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines announced today.
The successful projects cover the breadth and length of the electorate and funding will go towards small capital grants for projects being undertaken by not-for-profit community groups.
The successful projects are:
- Beechworth Chain Gang, Indigo: $15,000 for toilet installation at the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park.
- Euroa Community Action Group, Strathbogie: $15,000 for creation of a Euroa Community Garden and Gathering Space.
- Flowerdale Community House, Murrindindi: $15,000 for creation of the Flowerdale Community Garden.
- Friends of Federation Hill (Wodonga Urban Landcare Network), Wodonga: $11,300 for the Federation Hill Dam Restoration.
- Goorambat Veterans Retreat Inc, Benalla: $15,000 towards crisis accommodation units for veterans and their families facing personal hardships.
- Mansfield Men’s Shed, Mansfield: $15,000 for redevelopment of toilet, kitchen and entrance area.
- Mitta Valley Bowling Club, Towong: $7,000 towards an upgrade of the kitchen at the Bowling Club.
- Mount Beauty and District Chamber of Commerce Inc, Alpine: $6,000 for beautification and improvements to the historic S.E.C. Nursery Site.
- Room at the Table, Benalla: $15,000 for studio and general equipment for games and other activities for youth.
- Thamarrurr Youth Indigenous Corporation, Alpine: $15,000 for the Feed Bright Right program.
- Upper Goulburn Landcare Network, Murrindindi: $5,000 for an industrial sized worm farm for Alexandra hospitality venues
- Wangaratta Bowls & Sports Club, Wangaratta: $15,000 towards the Stage 1 Redevelopment of the Wangaratta Bowls & Sports Club.
Helen Haines said the grants will go towards projects that will improve local community participation and contributed to vibrant communities.
“I’ve spoken to each recipient and I heard first-hand how these grants will bolster our fantastic community groups,” Haines said.
“Clubs and associations are often the backbone of their local community, but they mostly get by on donations and volunteer contributions alone.
“I was proud to nominate each of these projects which will make an enormous difference to the ability of our clubs to serve their communities.
“I’m looking forward to visiting each recipient to see how grants enrich the experiences of their community and members.”
Dr Haines said she was delighted by the level of interest in the grants.
“The number of expressions of interest not only exceeded my expectations, but also the limited funds available. My only regret was that we couldn’t fund every project.
“I encourage community groups to keep trying, and please visit my website for helpful how-to guides and videos which might give you the edge next time”.