General News
25 February, 2025
Community grants set to open this weekend
It’s time for community groups and organisations to prepare as the Autumn Community Bank Grant Program fast approaches.
Local Bendigo Bank branches encourage local community groups in Avoca, Maryborough, and St Arnaud to get in early as the grant program opens March 1 to 31.
Funded by the Avoca District Co-operative Limited and made possible by the Bendigo Bank branches they manage across the three towns, the co-operative reinvests the majority of its profits back into local community projects and initiatives.
In November last year Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud awarded over $80,000 in grants to 13 community groups to support local projects.
Assistant branch manager Aley Earl said these grants remain possible thanks to local banking support.
Together, we have contributed over $2.5 million back into our communities, funding important local projects and initiatives,” she said.
Community groups are encouraged to start planning their applications now to give enough time for letters of support, quotes, and permits to be organised.
In the previous round of grants the Maryborough Lions Club received $29,034 to build a new electric barbecue, shelter, seating and lighting at the Goldfields Reservoir.
A priority since 2022, the club’s Gary Hutchinson said the grant was the final push needed to get the project over the line.
“We looked for two years for grants from the state and federal governments and nothing ever came that could have been used for this project,” he said.
“That’s when the community bank became involved and they came good with the $29,000 which is fantastic.”
Alongside this grant the Avoca Fire Brigade received $9697 for critical equipment to help protect the community.
“This grant will enable our brigade members to safely support and protect our community in hazardous and dangerous environments within our community. With the support of the Community Bank, we can purchase new breathing apparatus to assist our members in protecting the community,” they said.
Executive officer Julie Driscoll encouraged community groups interested in the Autumn Community Bank Grant Program to reach out early to discuss their application.
“We want to ensure as many organisations as possible can access this funding. I encourage groups to check their eligibility and ensure they can provide all the necessary supporting documents,” she said.