COMMUNITY groups across the district came together last week, receiving grants to help boost future projects that will benefit locals.
Twenty-four community groups shared in $82,500 of funding thanks to Gannawarra Shire Council’s Community Grants Program.
Gannawarra Shire mayor Lorraine Learmonth said the projects and events would assist community driven initiatives that enable and support increased community pride, morale and volunteerism.
“The 2019 Council Community Grants program saw an overwhelmingly positive response from community groups across the Gannawarra with this round of funding heavily oversubscribed for the amount of funding available for distribution,” she said.
One of the successful community groups to receive funding was Kerang’s Cycling Without Age program, which aims at reducing social isolation and increasing both mental and physical health for the elderly.
“Cycling Without Age is a two-seater couch on wheels that takes elderly passengers for a meander around town,” Cycling Without Age Kerang president Angela Hird said.
“Depression and physical decline affect so many older residents, so I think it’s important to have an initiative that is a bit of fun, helps locals to communicate and get out and about.
“I think we all just want to be able to connect, and so Cycling Without Age is one way to do just that.”
Cycling Without Age Kerang received $4000 which will go towards bike storage.
“It’s the last piece of our puzzle for us to ensure our equipment is safe and easily accessible,” she said.
“We’re very honoured to receive this grant from council and know the money is going to good use.”
The Combined Churches men’s breakfast also received a grant of $2000, helping to continue the support of their men’s mental health initiative.
In its sixth year, the Combined Churches men’s breakfast has supported many residents.
Getting together every second month for a big breakfast and deep chat, Combined Churches men’s breakfast chairman John Webb said it was a vital program which allowed men to open up and talk to one another.
“Men don’t talk as much, but it’s important we have each others’ back and have a space where we feel we can chat among each other, because we want to stop suicide,” he said.
Mr Webb said his own battles with mental health inspired him to initiate the breakfast.
“I went through a really tough time and it got to the point where I had people reaching out and asking if I needed a counsellor or other professional help,” he said.
“While that was amazing and I really am thankful people had my best interest at heart, when you’re in a certain mindset, you say you don’t need a counsellor because you’ve got to stay strong – you don’t want to believe it’s that bad.
“So I think having a more casual chat, where we invite special guest speakers, and have the opportunity to talk among ourselves over a good breakfast, it makes us all feel like we’re not alone.
“Once you can open up to someone, a whole lot of pressure is just released, and you just feel like you’re supported.”
