Monday, 29 October 2018

More than 100 community projects across the region have now been realised with support from the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund, with the latest round of 11 grants totalling more than $1.9 million.

The latest round of grants brought the tally to triple figures as community facilities and events continue to benefit from  the fund.

LVA Chief Executive Officer Karen Cain said the grants program had been extremely successful in improving the attractiveness and useability of local facilities.

“Over $11 million in grants have been awarded to fantastic local projects throughout our region, and there’s still ample opportunity for community groups to secure grants from the $20 million fund,” Ms Cain said.

“We’re seeing the benefits not only for the community groups themselves, but also the flow-on effects to the wider community, including local businesses contracted to undertake facility upgrade works.”

The latest round of grants totalling more than $1.9 million includes:

• Maltese Community Centre Inc. ($56,270) – renovation of the former Morwell Pigeon Club building to house the new Maltese Museum – the first of its kind in Australia.
• Heyfield Bowls Club ($191,562) – replacement of the existing grass green at the west end of the Club with a synthetic surface.
• Budgeree Hall ($111,218) – upgrade project including the addition of a covered external deck area, heating and cooling, kitchen refurbishment and acoustic installation.
• Boisdale Recreation Reserve ($329,512) – construction of new home and umpire change-rooms, oval lighting upgrades and mains power supply upgrades.
• Trafalgar East Public Hall ($69,188) – upgrade project including renovation of the entry foyer, new external deck, accessibility improvements, new toilets, internal painting and restoration of the original Jarrah floor.
• Traralgon South Recreation Reserve Tennis Courts ($340,584) – Latrobe City Council have received a grant for reconstruction and repair of multi-use courts at Traralgon South Recreation Reserve.
• VRI Hall Traralgon ($150,000) – upgrades including community garden, garden lighting, commercial kitchen and ambulant amenities, heating and cooling, lighting and fans, and security system.
• Trafalgar Golf Club ($107,595) – upgrade the Club’s buildings and undertake course works including repair, upgrade and automate irrigation system, removal of tree stumps, replacement of clubhouse roof and retrofitting an automated front door to the clubhouse.
• Maffra Golf Club RV Park ($320,419) – upgrade the RV Park and associated electricity infrastructure, create accessible amenities and improve the kitchen in the Clubrooms.
• Gippsland Rangers Roller Derby ($2,739) – external lighting upgrade for training facility at Traralgon Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve.
• Latrobe City Pathway Extension Project ($237,294) – pathway extensions at twelve locations across Latrobe City.

More projects than ever are now eligible to apply for funding following  a review of the CFF’s parameters.

“Community events can now receive up to $20,000 in funding, while all applications for funding under $20,000 will now go through a simple one-step process – making it easier and quicker for grant applicants,” Ms Cain said.

“Funding is also available for the development of business cases, strategic plans, websites, financial management, technology improvements and energy cost reduction projects.

“We’ve listened to the types of projects our community is seeking funding for, and as a result we’re pleased to broaden the range of projects eligible under the revised Community and Facility Fund.”

Find out if your project is eligible for funding by phoning the LVA grants team on 1800 136 762 or email lva.grants@lva.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“We are so proud to support the local clubs, organisations and groups that are at the heart of Gippsland communities, and the pride of place that is growing through the work of the Latrobe Valley Authority is absolutely wonderful to see.”

“It’s been a huge privilege to advocate on behalf of so many diverse and inclusive groups to improve facilities and drive positive change across our region, and I’m absolutely determined to continue this work into the future.”