Nine local community groups have received up to $1,000 to assist with events, activities and organisational development as part of the annual Community Development Grants program.
The small grants program is one tier of the Shire’s CommunityCONNECT program, which aims to provide support, training, access to funding, research and online resources for local groups and volunteers.
In the past six years 59 local community groups have been supported by the Community Development Grants Program, with a total project value in excess of $354,000.
Successful recipients in the 2014 round include:
Margaret River Concert Band – Winter Community Concert $1,000
Uniting Church Margaret River – Children’s Carnival Celebration $1,000
RiverLets – Development of a new website $1,000
Margaret River Family Nature Club – Purchase of nature exploring equipment and books for an environmental resource library $1,000
Margaret River Board Riders Club – Purchase of 2 marquees for Shade and Safety $1,000
Surfside Church Christian Outreach Centre – Community Christmas Carols in the Park $950
Margaret River Theatre Group – Purchase of headset microphones $1,000
Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry – MRCCI Marketing Collateral $996
Marigold Margaret River Playgroup – Purchase books and resources on parenting and well-being and funding of a guest speaker $1,000
Marigold Playgroup, who offer a safe and understanding environment for parents suffering from post natal depression or anxiety, received funding for books and resources and funding for a guest speaker.
“Mothers and fathers can both experience post natal depression or anxiety and many families do not know of other people’s experiences, feel isolated and end up suffering in silence,” Marigold Playgroup representative Nicky Porter-Smith said.
“The purchase of books on parenting and wellbeing will assist parents with problem solving parenting issues, awareness of the impact of emotional/physical health on children, parenting style, self-care as a parent and education about ante-natal and post-natal depression/anxiety and much more.
“Through the sharing of stories parents come to realise that they are not alone and there is a path to recovery.
“The support of others in our community can have a huge impact on parents coping skills as they connect with others who know how they feel and have insight into what they are going through.”
The next round of the Community Development Grants program will be launched early 2015.
For more information contact the Shire’s Community Development Administration Officer, Katie Taylor on 9780 5255.
