By Cr Rochelle Halstead
Last week I was honoured to host the 2024 Community Grants event. It was an evening filled with stories of passion, dedication, and it showcased the incredible impact our local community groups and volunteers are having across the Bass Coast.
At Bass Coast Shire Council, we are proud to support initiatives that bring people together and make our region a better place to live. Through our grants program, we've been able to fund projects that make a difference to the heart and soul of our community. From art, music, festivals and dance to sports, recreation, and environmental protection, these projects uplift us all. The range of projects Council has supported reflects our diverse community and their interests.
One story that stood out for me was from the Arts Society Phillip Island Region (ASPIR). After 30 years without a permanent base, ASPIR now calls the Creative Arts Station home. When they heard that the old CFA building in Cowes would soon become vacant, they set to work to make it home. They've transformed the space into a welcoming hub, a beautiful space to create. This group's passion and determination is truly inspiring, and Council is delighted that community grants can help bring projects like this to life.
The Inverloch Men's Shed proudly showed the crowd a wooden sign that had been made using their new CNC lathe. Purchasing this new tool with the help of a community grant has not only increased the quality and quantity of their work but has had an added benefit of increasing the members' confidence with computers. This is something they have been able to take into their lives outside the shed.
One of the highlights of the evening was being able to speak to our volunteers. Hearing their stories and enthusiasm and seeing the contribution they are making in Bass Coast communities. None of this would be possible without them. Their time, energy, and unwavering dedication breathe life into these initiatives.
If you or you know someone with a project idea, I would encourage you to explore our community grants. Council's Quick Response Grants can be a simple and easy way of turning an idea into reality.
You can find more information on our website.
To all volunteers in our community, thank you.
