Happy faces representing a number of community organisations at the Bega Valley ClubGRANTS presentation. Photo: Bega Valley Mayor Kristy McBain.
Some of the region’s favourite and most loved organisations have been awarded cash grants from five licensed clubs in the Bega Valley, giving 38 local projects the green light to go ahead.
Over $101,000 was handed out at the ClubGRANTS presentation adding to the $1.4 million distributed to local projects and organistaions over the last 16 years.
Managed by Bega Valley Shire Council; the State Government – club industry program, is funded by a tax paid by registered clubs with gaming machine profits in excess of $1 million.
The link with poker machines is an aspect of the scheme that makes some uncomfortable, however, the projects funded come from a need within the community leaving many conflicted.
The five local clubs who contribute are Bermagui Country Club, Club Bega, Club Sapphire, Eden Fishermen’s Recreation Club and the Merimbula RSL.
Acting chairperson of the Bega Valley ClubGRANTS committee, Damien Foley, says, “funding for the 38 projects will benefit a range of local community activities and consolidate the program’s exceptional history.”
Some of the organisations and projects funded in 2019 include:
- fLiNG Physical Theatre Inc. – youth designed wellbeing workshops and a live performance to explore mental health issues faced by youth in the region;
- Women’s Resource Centre Bega – workshops for marginalised women targeting physical and mental health;
- Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast – crisis accommodation for the homeless and domestic violence sufferers;
- ‘Mod Box’ Eden – community boxing program to get people of all ages active with a particular focus on the physical and mental wellbeing of youth in the community;
- A support program for people impacted by suicide loss of a family member, colleague or friend;
- Educating senior high school students about road safety to make roads a safer place for all;
- Planting a bush tucker garden to educate and engage children with the natural environment.
The annual grants program has a focus on projects that provide support for sections of the community facing disadvantage including the target areas identified in Bega Valley Shire Council’s Social Issues paper including:
- Community Wellbeing
- Volunteering
- Aboriginal People
- Children & Families
- People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
- People with a Disability
- Men
- Older People
- Women
- Young People
Further details are available via Bega Valley Shire Council.
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