Ewen McRae
By Ewen McRae
Community groups delivering COVID-19 emergency relief and recovery to residents will be eligible for special grants to support their work under a new fund established by Melton council.
The council has allocated $100,000 from the 2020-21 Community Grants Program to deliver its new COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Fund, with grants of up to $5000 available for each group.
The temporary funding stream is designed to support the work of council and not-for-profit community groups in assisting residents who are vulnerable, isolated, or otherwise in need of additional support during the pandemic.
It will also maximise the community benefit of new Connector Hubs, which help residents understand and access the support available to them during the COVID-19 crisis, including relief packages, counselling, job-readiness programs, social connection, education opportunities and more.
Melton mayor Lara Carli said she was proud that council’s new fund would maximise the support available to residents.
“We are incredibly grateful to the many community groups who are playing an active role in helping vulnerable residents and I’m proud that council can offer a new fund that will maximise these opportunities,” Cr Carli said.
“These efforts to provide support services and basic necessities have been absolutely critical to the many local people financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and are complementary to the support council is also providing.
“We know that the demand for these services has been extraordinarily high and this fund will help our generous community groups continue and grow their services to residents in this time of need.”
Not-for-profit community groups and service organisations will need to demonstrate that they are able to deliver timely crisis support and emergency relief.
To find out more and apply for a COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Fund grant, go to melton.vic.gov.au/communitygrants
