Livingstone Shire Council and Bendigo Community Bank team up to support 16 community projects through the 2024-2025 Community Grants Scheme!

Council is celebrating the largest-ever number of applicants for the Livingstone Shire Council and Bendigo Community Bank Community Grants Scheme, an initiative aimed at empowering local not-for-profit organisations to enhance community wellbeing and resilience across the Shire.

This year, a record 27 eligible applications were received, reflecting the growing interest and community need in the Shire for funding support.

Council partnered with Bendigo Community Bank to provide a total funding pool of $133,028 for the 2024-2025 financial year, with $100,000 from the Council, $30,000 from Bendigo Community Bank, and an additional $3,028 raised through scrap metal sales.

Sixteen applicants were selected to receive funding for community projects, totalling $63,469.88, with additional contributions of $16,199.46 from the applicants themselves.

Recreation and Culture Committee Co-Chair, Councillor Andrea Friend expressed her enthusiasm for the success of the grants scheme and the ongoing impact the funding program has on the wider community.

“This partnership between Livingstone Shire Council and Bendigo Community Bank demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the resilience and liveability of our Shire,” Cr Friend said.

“It’s inspiring to see the passion and innovation of local organisations dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing. This funding will support a diverse range of projects that will positively impact our residents now and into the future.”

The grants scheme not only reinforces the Council’s dedication to inclusivity and support for local organisations but also aligns with the goals of the Livingstone Community Plan: Towards 2050.

“This year’s projects will help build capacity and increase community resilience across various sectors, from the arts and culture to sports, recreation, and environmental initiatives,” Cr Friend added.

“These selected projects set to benefit residents by promoting active and passive recreational opportunities, fostering skill development, and encouraging local engagement.

“Council would like to sincerely thank Bendigo Community Bank for their ongoing support towards this much-needed community initiative, which assists in supporting many dedicated and hard-working clubs and organisations, who help to make this Shire a wonderful place to live, work, and play.”

Livingstone Shire Council and Bendigo Community Bank will continue to support not-for-profit community groups through this grants scheme, with a second round of funding available later in the financial year.