Funding helps groups bring people together

Maribyrnong council has announced $135,000 in funding for 53 organisations as part of its 2013-14 community grant program.

Grants for large-scale collaborative projects that build and strengthen the community went to four recipients, including three with a focus on Braybrook.

Yarraville Community Centre will use its grant to support a project creating volunteering experiences for refugees and asylum seekers and community organisations.

Western Edge Youth Arts received a grant for Braybrook Tales, a project bringing young people from diverse cultural backgrounds together in drama workshops to develop leadership and communication skills.

VACRO’s Second Chance Cycles will offer bicycle maintenance workshops in Braybrook. The Women’s Circus project The Art of Play will involve creative activities in public playgrounds and spaces, with a focus on Braybrook.

Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles said the community grants program was designed to promote community connection and participation.

“The programs they deliver play an important role in building community well-being and we are very proud to support the work they deliver to our community,” he said.

Twelve organisations were awarded community development grants, while 15 senior support grants, one environmental grant and 14 arts and culture grants were also handed out.

Four small-grants category and four revitalising Braybrook large-grants category grants were awarded.

Funded projects and programs will roll out across 2014.