MEDIA STATEMENT
Helen Haines MP has encouraged Indi community groups to come forward with good ideas for small capital works projects and express interest in the latest round of Stronger Communities Program grants.
The Independent Federal Member for Indi said the $150,000 programme in her electorate would provide small grants of between $2500 to $20,000 for up to 20 eligible projects.
If you are planning, alterations or extensions to your community group premises or hoping to purchase ICT equipment, landscape a garden, build a trail, buy sporting equipment or many other worthwhile projects that will provide benefits to your community, the Indi Stronger Communities Programme is now open for expressions of interest from eligible groups.
“Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations, local government and trustees responsible for community assets are eligible for these grants, targeted at community projects that support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Haines said.
“Every round of this programme is very popular. Successful applicants in the latest round ranged from hall and toilet block upgrades for the Acheron Mechanics Institute to a water tank and platform for the Lima School Community Centre, and many projects to improve IT and disability access.”
Dr Haines said this funding round was designed to support Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this round, up to 100 per cent of costs will be paid for approved community group projects, while approved local government projects will receive up to 50 per cent of costs,” she said.
“The grant writing workshops I hosted last year demonstrated that Indi community organisations, not-for-profits and businesses are hungry for information and skills that equip them to make the best possible applications.
“Almost 900 people took part in four workshops and many more have since made use of how-to guides and instructive videos on my website and my Indi Funding Finder, an online portal that gives people and groups across Indi free access to information on the widest range of available grants.”
Dr Haines said she would work with a committee of community representatives to assess the expressions of interest.
“Successful proponents will then be invited to apply for a grant. The final decision about applications to be funded will be made by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.”
Dr Haines said interested groups could download an expression of interest form from her website at www.helenhaines.org/resources/grants or email helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au to receive the form, funding guidelines, and project eligibility information.
Completed expressions of interest must be received no later than 5pm on December 1 by:
- email to haines.mp@aph.gov.au
- post to 117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
More information: