Tens of thousands assisted by Community Grants


Approximately 93,000 people will benefit from the City of Melbourne’s latest round of Community Grants, with 95 grants approved.

Worth more than $581,000 and engaging 1500 volunteers, the grants will assist in programs throughout 2014.

City of Melbourne People City portfolio Chair, Councillor Richard Foster, said the supported programs were vital given Melbourne has undergone incredible growth over the past 30 years, particularly in the last decade.

“Our city is home to more than 100,000 residents, a figure that has doubled in the past 10 years,” Cr Foster said.

“Our challenge in the coming years will be to build and provide services to accommodate our growing population. Supporting community organisations through these grants is an important part of Council’s work to ensure we are financially, socially and emotionally supporting all members of our community, particularly those who are vulnerable.”

Recipients of a 2014 Community Grant include:

  • RISE Refugee Survivors and Detainees, $20,000; RISE will run a free driving project for refugees to assist them both in the educational and practical elements of driving. The primary aim is to assist refugees to become safe drivers and to have a better understanding of Australian road rules.

  • Australian Red Cross, $20,000; A pilot food security project in the Kensington high rise estate. The pilot will test the concept of a place based approach addressing food insecurity for vulnerable residents. Through educational workshops the project will respond to local factors, interest and capacity to address barriers to food security. Community members and agencies will be trained to share their knowledge and skills with others.

  • University High School Flemington Junior Amateur Football Club, $4,550; Almost half of the players are aged under 23 and are unemployed, students or apprentices. Many of the young men are from single parent families, African backgrounds or have financial difficulties. The grant will assist in purchasing uniforms.

For more information visit City of Melbourne