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Applications now open for up to $6000 in Community Assistance Grant funding

APPLICATIONS are now open for the latest round of Community Assistance Grants, which offer funding between $2500 and $6000 to eligible not-for-profit community groups. The grants aim to build community capacity by encouraging participation and inclusion; growth in community partnerships; earning opportunities; social connectedness; and activation of community spaces such as parks, halls and other facilities. Grants are available for many community activities and projects that benefit the Wellington Shire community, such as local events and festivals, committee planning and initiatives, community facility infrastructure improvements and equipment needs. As part of Wellington Shire Council’s August 2022 Community Assistance Grants Scheme, council allocated more than $146,676 to fund 26 different projects and events across the municipality. In last year’s grants, funding went towards:  Meerlieu public hall;  Cricket club net replacement, Sale Combined Kindergartens Inc;  Playground improvements, Uniting –Gippsland, Sale;  Community meals, Stratford Bowling Club;  Facility Refresh, Tarra Festival Committee;  The 2023 Tarra Festival and Heyfield & District Vintage Machinery Group Inc;  Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally 2023. Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said Community Assistance Grant’s continued to support community groups with the resources they need to deliver events, projects, or improve facilities. . “We continue to be impressed by the applications received each year and I really encourage our local community groups to take advantage of this funding opportunity,” Cr Bye said. The Community Assistance Grant program is open between January 12 and March 1. Community groups looking for funding help and wishing to apply should visit www. wellington.vic.gov.au/community/communityassistance-grants to view guidelines and assessment criteria and to access an application form. Applicants who are unsure about navigating the grants process can also discuss their idea with the council’s Grant Officer on 1300 366 244. In conjunction with the current Community Assistance Grants program, the council also offers the following grant and rebate opportunities:

Quick Response Grants

QUICK Response Grants are open all year round and applications are made available for not-forprofit community groups looking for funding of up to $2500. Applications must be received 21 days before groups start their activity. Visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/community/quickresponse-grants for more information.

Energy Audit Rebate

REBATES of up to $500 are available for community groups and organisations (not-for-profit) who engage an external energy auditor to review their annual energy consumption and submit a report on their facility’s performance. An energy audit can clarify energy consumption and identify areas for potential savings. Applications close on March 30. Visit www.wellington.vic. gov.au/community/energy-audit-rebate for more information.

Maffra Police intercepted this silver Holden sedan on Wellsford St earlier this month. Impound in Stratford

AT about 2.51pm on January 4, Maffra Police intercepted a silver Holden sedan on Wellsford Street, Stratford for a licence check due to the registered owner of the vehicle coming up with a disqualified P2 licence. Police say the driver of the vehicle initially stated a false name, however eventually confirmed she was the registered owner who was due to get her licence back in two days time. The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $995. The 22-year-old female driver will be charged on summons to appear at the Sale Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police say a male entered a store in Sale and exited with two fishing reels and a pair of sunglasses allegedly without paying for the items. They would like to speak to the person depicted.

Photo: Contributed

Police Beat

with Stefan Bradley

Fishing reels gone

ON October 22, police say a male entered a store in Sale and exited with two fishing reels and a pair of sunglasses allegedly without paying for the items. Police would like to speak to the person depicted in the photograph as he may be able to assist them with their enquiries. If you have any information in relation to the theft, please contact Constable Patterson at the Sale Police on 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Thefts across a large area

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding a series of offences between Melbourne and Orbost. It is believed the offender broke into a business on Nicholson Street, Orbost on February 21, 2022. The offender unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to an ATM within the business. It is believed the offender was later seen on CCTV at a service station in Cann River, where a further theft was committed, before the vehicle drove along the Monaro Highway towards New South Wales. Investigators have released an image of a person who may be able to assist with enquiries. They have also released images of a car with licence plate BEG 117.