South East Water’s 2022 Community Grants program is now open, with grants between $500 and $10,000 available to help local groups make important community projects and initiatives possible.
Now in its third year, the program has so far granted $134,000 to 34 community groups across its service area.
In 2021, the program supported a range of community initiatives from equipment for Mornington Life Saving Club and Baxter Fire Brigade, to education programs at the Australian Marine Mammals Association and environmental activities at Nepean Conservation Group and Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association.
Food for Change, a volunteer group that grows produce at The Briars in Mount Martha was one of the successful recipients, receiving $5,000.
The funds allowed the group to install a drip irrigation system to help it grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that are then donated to support food relief agencies across the Mornington Peninsula.
Food for Change founder Matt Donavon said he was grateful to have received the grant.
“…the irrigation has already helped us to plant fruit trees which will help in our efforts towards providing much needed food relief to the local community,” he said.
South East Water managing director Lara Olsen said the organisation was proud to run its Community Grants program again in 2022.
“Food for Change is just one of the community groups in our region who is working hard to support our customers in the community,” Ms Olsen said.
“We want to help groups like this continue their great work and it’s even more important now due to the global pandemic.
“If your community group or charity is based in our service area, I encourage you to apply for a grant.”
Applications from eligible community or charitable organisations across the South East Water service area are welcome for projects that support the health and liveability of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay – and areas nearby like beaches, creeks and wetlands – including groups impacted by nearby sewer spills.
It supports the community in the areas of affordability, environment, health and liveability and water security and literacy.
The program is funded by a commitment South East Water made in its Five-year Customer Commitment 2018-23 to support local communities impacted by sewer spills.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 4 March.
Visit southeastwater.com.au/grants to apply and to learn about previous grant recipients.
