Exciting projects as grants roll-out across Wakefield
Published 14th August 2018
| 14 August 2018 |
Council hands out grants to communities for significant projects
Eighteen organisations will share in more than $143,000 from Wakefield Regional Council’s latest round of community grants.
From upgrading the Snowtown Pavilion, to refreshing sporting grounds in Hamley Bridge and Blyth, to a tree planting event in Halbury, these are just some of the projects that will come to life.
Wakefield Mayor Rodney Reid said the grants are a great opportunity for Council to partner with the community to achieve common goals.
“Our grants allow community-led projects to get off the ground and nurture new ventures from a grass root level,” Mayor Reid said. “This year, sport and recreation projects continued to dominate with many requesting funding for ground renewal and facility upgrades.
“It’s easy to see that our community loves its sport and it’s rewarding to see such a strong commitment by the local clubs to invest in their home grounds for the next generation of players and volunteers.”
A major project partly funded through the program is the upgrade of the Snowtown Oval Pavilion to bring it in line with SANFL’s standards, with the hope to one day host state games. Additional funding has been sourced from a combination of State Government, SANFL and local community organisations.
Provided by modular construction company AUSCO, the new building will deliver more modern and inclusive facilities to the Blyth Snowtown Football Club and Netball Club, with the addition of the club’s first unisex toilets and change rooms.
“This is a project that will have a lasting benefit to the broader community, as it will promote community pride, and provide an area for growth if games draw fans to Snowtown,” Mayor Reid said.
“The new facility will bring endless opportunities like hosting regional level games and major carnivals.”
Under the program, grants of up to $5,000 are provided for community water schemes and community benefit program initiatives and up to $25,000 for community infrastructure projects.
“We provide a water scheme to keep our local swimming pools topped up and our grassed areas green. This year also had some focus on our cultural attractions like Brinkworth Museum and Balaklava’s Courthouse Gallery, which will receive funding for ground improvements and signage,” Mayor Reid said.
“Council is happy to help support our communities and the important work they do. We look forward to seeing the great results achieved with the help of this year’s funding.”
Successful applicants for Community Infrastructure were:
• Blyth Snowtown Football Club for Snowtown Pavilion Upgrade
• Hamley Bridge Community and Sports Centre for new Tennis/Netball Courts
• Blyth Bowling Club Inc for the replacement of existing playing surface
• Brinkworth Recreation Ground (Brinkworth Management Committee) for the Brinkworth Recreation Ground Automated Irrigation Project
Community Benefit grants were awarded to:
• Hummocks Watchman Eagles Football Club Inc. for Port Wakefield Oval Lighting Upgrade
• Brinkworth Management Committee for Security and Sustainability Strategy
• The United Archers Incorporated for the establishment of an archery club in Blyth
• Port Wakefield Golf Club for a scrape raker for the Port Wakefield Golf Club
• Trees for Life for a nature event and workshop in the Halbury Parklands
• Balaklava Courthouse Gallery Inc for a grounds improvement
• Brinkworth History Group - Brinkworth Community Management Committee for the replacement of a main sign to front of the Brinkworth Museum
• Snowtown Community Management Committee for the purchase of new table tennis tables
• Brinkworth Bowling Club for some repairs and painting of clubrooms
Community Water Scheme’s successful applicants were:
• Hamley Bridge Swimming Pool Inc for swimming pool
• Port Wakefield Bowling Club for bowling green
• Blyth Bowling Club for bowling green
• Balaklava Bowling Club for bowling green
• Blyth Football Club for oval
• Lochiel Progress Association for oval
• Owen Swimming Pool for swimming pool