Boost to community projects and services in bushfire areas

Nine community organisations across the North East and East Gippsland will share in over $465,000 in bushfire recovery grants to support projects that boost resilience, service delivery and community pride. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville on December 22 congratulated the latest recipients of Bushfire Recovery Victoria’s grants for community facilities, Local Government Authorities, and community service organisations, which include a much-loved community hall built in the 1950s that needs vital upgrades. East Gippsland’s Cabbage Tree Creek Hall hosts community meetings and events, music and dance, a gym for seniors, and more. Funding of $44,139 will upgrade the hall’s sewerage and wiring and build a veranda.

North East-based APMHA HealthCare received $90,000 to develop the North East Interactive Service Directory, to connect people to ongoing government and not-for-profit support in Alpine, Towong and surrounding shires.

The organisation’s CEO, Renee Hayden, said the project was “a top priority for recovery and wellbeing groups in the region”, with the grant funding helping it become “a sustainable product for the community so they always know where to go for assistance – without it, we would not be able to do anything else.”

Other recipients of Bushfire Recovery Victoria’s grants for community facilities, Local Government Authorities and community service organisations include:

• $144,000 for Parklands Albury Wodonga to deliver Wodonga Regional Park infrastructure and connect seniors into volunteering.

• $50,000 for a new playground in Sarsfield next to the community’s hall, which is used by locals as a place to get support and information, come together for meals, and conduct workshops.

• $49,731 for the Stanley Landcare Group to improve current bushwalking facilities to encourage visitors and locals to explore the natural landscape.

• $47,850 to upgrade the Dederang Picnic Race Club’s rooms, including re-stumping and renovating the original bathrooms.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville

• $25,000 to the Corryong and District Memorial Hall to develop the streetscape around the hall and memorial gardens with public art, information, and a grassed area.

• $10,500 for the Bright Art Gallery and Cultural Centre to install solar panels to offset electricity costs.

• $4,298 for the Myrtleford Bowls Club to replace their solar inverter and ensure ongoing cost savings.

Further funding is available under the grants, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments as part of the $86 million Community Recovery Package.