Council grant season now open

Published on 18 August 2023

Applications are now open for three of Indigo Shire’s annual grant programs and more than $130,000 is up for grabs.

Local organisations and event organisers are encouraged to apply for the various programs, which provide funding for community and sustainability initiatives and community and tourism events.

The following is available through each stream:

• Community Grants $50,000 (grants ranging from $200 - $4,000)
• Events Grants $60,000 (grants ranging from $1000 - $10,000)
• Community Sustainability Grants $20,850 (grants of up to $5,000 to improve energy efficiency or to build community capacity to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions technologies and up to $10,000 for capital improvement projects)

Mayor, Sophie Price says that Council is proud to support its many community organisations through these annual programs and encourages any organisation looking for a funding boost to apply.

“We’re fortunate to have a number of wonderful community groups across the Shire and we know many are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, so these grants are a great way we can support them in a practical and tangible way.” Cr Price says.

Cr Price says the awarding the funding can often mean ideas and initiatives come to life that may not have otherwise.

This sentiment is echoed by former Community Sustainability Grant recipient, the Yackandandah Cemetery Trust Committee. Its project, 'Energy for Life - Recharging the Cemetery Long After Your Battery Goes Flat' was funded through last year’s program and saw the installation of off-grid solar PV and battery storage in conjunction with the purchase of electric gardening and maintenance equipment.

Not only has the project resulted in reduced emissions, fuel and oil consumption, the committee says, “This project has felt like a real game changer. It has injected confidence into the group and shown how a cemetery management group can be progressive, innovative and aligned with wider community action.”

Similarly, the Rutherglen Gold Battery committee, which also received funding to install a solar PV system last year, says that it is beyond thrilled with the success of its project. Noting a marked reduction in its electricity bills, the committee can now focus on utilising the historic battery more consistently without the worry of increasing costs.

“We appreciate Council’s efforts to empower our committee to continue its good work,” says committee member Nyree Wiggins.

A number of drop-in sessions, as well as an online Q and A forum, have been organised for anyone interested in learning more about the available funding and how to apply.

Council officers will be at the following locations over the coming week:

• Monday 21 August – 2pm to 3:30pm – Beechworth Library

• Thursday 24 August – 10am to 11:30am – Rutherglen Library

• Thursday 24 August – 2pm to 3:30pm – Chiltern Library

• Friday 25 August – 10am to 11:30am – Yackandandah Library

• Friday 25 August – 2pm to 3:30pm – Tangambalanga Lions Den

• Thursday 24 August – 5:30pm to 7pm – Teams (please click below link to register for the relevant grant information session)

• Thursday 31 August – 5:30pm to 7pm - Teams (please click below link to register for the relevant grant information session)

More information can also be found online: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/grants

Applications close 4pm Monday 25 September.