The latest round of East Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Project Grants will see 12 organisations share in almost $40,000.

Applications were down on previous rounds as many communities dealt with the bushfires and their aftermath. Despite this, Mayor John White said a good spread of applications were received.

“The projects we have funded in this round will help create important and lasting partnerships and make community gathering places more comfortable.

"These things support social interaction and inclusion, which is beneficial for people’s health and wellbeing,” Cr White said.

“We have also supported some projects that will attract visitors back to East Gippsland, when safe to do so.”

An important part of this grants program is the value-adding by the community. The council funding is matched dollar-for-dollar by the recipient, who can use a mix of in-kind support and cash to meet this funding requirement.

“The total value of the 12 approved projects is $115,550, which shows how much work our local groups, clubs and organisations contribute to the liveability of our region,” Cr White said.

The 2019-20 Community Grants Program distributed a total of $100,800. Round One of the 2020-21 Community Grants Program will open on Wednesday 3 June.

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The 12 projects funded this round are:

• Bairnsdale model aeroplane field expansion to enable more jet plane enthusiasts
• Bairnsdale indoor archery range Stage 1 upgrade
• New equipment for Bairnsdale Lapidary Club
• New equipment for Bairnsdale Men’s Shed
• New stove for upgraded kitchen at Fernbank Public Hall
• Installation of heating and cooling at Flaggy Creek Hall
• Gippsland Lakes Complete Health’s NAIDOC Week activities
• Installation of heating and cooling at Great Alpine Gallery, Swifts Creek
• Mallacoota Boardriders mental health bushfire recovery project
• Raymond Island Ferry Park and Koala Trail 10th anniversary celebration
• Sunset Cove walking track extension, Paynesville
• The Boite Schools Chorus project, where Victorian primary school-age students learn a common repertoire.

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