GIPPSLAND dairying regions received more than $44,000 in funding for local projects through the Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program.
The grants were delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and went to 21 projects in Victoria’s main dairy regions in Gippsland, Northern Victoria and South-West Victoria.
The grants were awarded to 10 community initiatives in Gippsland..
One of the Gippsland recipients included the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, which received $5000 to enhance literacy for Indigenous primary school children with a dedicated tutoring program.
Community groups were presented with their funds at a series of ceremonies held in the regions during June and July..
Gardiner Dairy Foundation chief executive Allan Cameron said he was delighted to continue supporting dairying communities..
“After 20 years the Community Grants Program continues to support Victorian regions that are reliant on the dairy industry,” Mr Cameron said.
“Local groups play an important role in enhancing the vitality of these communities..
“These grants will help local organisations in many small towns to thrive with initiatives that range from COVID recovery and disaster preparedness, to improved digital capabilities and facility upgrades..
“The grants help to ensure the viability of these organisations.”.
FRRR chief executive Natalie Egleton said half of the projects to receive funding were geared towards building organisational capacity, improving access to the internet or digital technologies..
“This is a reflection of how the last couple of years have impacted on remote, rural, and regional community groups and a great reminder of why it’s important to engage in conversations with the locals on the ground and find out how we can adapt our approach to better serve the needs of their communities,” Ms Egleton said.
“We are delighted to have maintained such a strong partnership with Gardiner Dairy Foundation for the last two decades.”
