Thirteen groups from across Moorabool were selected to receive community grants under the council’s March funding round.
Under this round, Moorabool received 17 applications across the five program categories: Community Arts and Culture, Community Strengthening, Community Events, Community Development, and Sustainability and Environmental Engagement Grants.
The Ballan Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Committee requested funding towards construction of an all-abilities toilet. The Wombat Regional Arts Network requested funds to celebrate its 25th year. Pentland Hills Landcare group applied for funds for a serrated tussock control fundraiser.
Of the 17 applicants, 13 were successful in their applications, receiving a combined value of $44,036 of the $115,954 available in this round.
At the June 4 council meeting, councillor Rod Ward said that while the council has “an obligation to make sure that we are giving away ratepayers’ money responsibly,” it “is disappointing that we seem to be somehow missing the mark.”
“What I would ask council to consider is that I notice that there was two multicultural groups who applied for grants and … they’re very specialist and diverse activities, and part of the criteria in assessing these is the broader community benefit – I think it’s very difficult for minority and small groups to achieve broader community benefit, so maybe we need to look at the way we can support the criteria to support those minority groups,” Cr Ward said.
“Because it is a fantastic program and we need to give as much support as we can responsibly.”
