Barunga West Council awards community grants

BARUNGA West Council has awarded almost $40,000 in community grants, supporting 11 projects across the district following the program’s recent reinstatement in the council budget.

The funding will benefit a range of initiatives, including upgrades to sporting facilities, community buildings, cultural groups and township projects spanning Port Broughton, Bute, Mundoora, Tickera and Alford.

Among the recipients is the Port Broughton Mundoora Cricket Club, which received $5000 to install new cricket nets.

“The grant will be a huge boost for our club and will allow us to revamp our training facility in a much quicker time frame than we had planned,” club secretary Paul Townsend said.

“It has turned a three-season project into a complete ASAP one.

“The current netting is starting to slowly deteriorate as it was installed about 15 years ago.”

Mayor Leonie Kerley said the annual grants program delivers practical, grassroots benefits to the region.

“Our communities rely heavily on volunteers who give their time to keep clubs, facilities and local initiatives running,” Mayor Kerley said.

“These grants help lift some of the financial pressure and allow groups to get on with projects that strengthen participation, social connection and township pride.

“We will continue working with the groups that were unsuccessful to help identify other grant opportunities.”

Other BWC community grant recipients are:

• Port Broughton Men’s Shed, $4700

• Tickera Community and Recreation Association, $4579

• Broughton Rainbow Quilters, $4500 (new air conditioner) 

• Mundoora Community Sports Club, $4313 (point of sale system upgrade)

• Bute Gunner Bill’s Heritage Centre, $3988

• Port Broughton Echo, $3877.50

• Alford Progress Association, $3172

• Mundoora Bowling Club, $3000

• Mundoora RV Park, $2400 (signage)

• Bute History Group, $470