This year’s Hobsons Bay Community Fund will benefit nine community groups, schools and services sharing in $27,890 in grants, ranging from $1200 to $5000.
Now in its 10th year, the fund has awarded 64 grants totalling about $150,000, and providing an ongoing legacy.
One of last year’s recipients, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, last week ran its first Discover Sailing program for Altona Meadows Primary School senior students, funded by a $2700 grant.
Grants committee chairwoman Helen McVey said, since its inception in 2006, the fund had helped build networks, particularly for isolated and disadvantaged people.
This year, two schools received funding: Laverton P-12 College to engage fathers with their children through a woodwork project, and Queen of Peace Primary School for its sensory native garden.
Early Childhood Management Services at Newport Gardens received a grant for its Generation Games program.
The Link Centre, helping young people get into school, TAFE, an apprenticeship or employment, received funds to run a youth camp to an Aboriginal community in central Australia.
Mind Australia was funded for its a horticultural program for people recovering from mental health issues.
Gateway Community Services received funding for information sessions at Floyd Lodge and Williamstown’s high-rise public housing estates, while Joseph’s Corner will run a life skills program. Seabrook Kindergarten will hold a cultural community cooking program and Altona Meadows Kindergarten and Maternal Health Centre will use its grant for a sensory garden.
