Geelong community projects have received funding boosts to help save water and ensure a healthier environment, circular economy or inclusive community.
Barwon Water’s latest grants program provided up to $5000 for community-led initiatives and up to $2500 for school projects to more than 25 projects, including two from the Geelong area.
Armstrong Creek Boomerang Bags received $630 to service sewing machines used to make reusable bags to continue reducing waste in the community.
“Having the machines onsite at the community hub allows us to connect with our volunteers on a weekly basis and teach people the worthwhile skill of sewing,” chairperson Bernadette Little said.
“We create the bags from recycled fabric that may have been sitting in people’s sheds or garages, and the condition of the fabric can be hard on the sewing machines.”
Bluebird Foundation also received funding to help create a space to enhance people’s experience of nature.
“Newcomb Primary School is in a suburb with a changing demographic, but many children still experience significant disadvantage,” grants and partnerships manager Lucy Jones said.
“We know that if children are exposed to green spaces while they’re young, they learn to understand and appreciate nature and are more likely to look after it as adults.”
Barwon Water customers, community and strategy general manager Laura Kendall said the grants program offered practical assistance to help initiatives come to life in the community.
“Our new grants program is designed to support the incredible work of community groups and schools across our region,” she said.
“It’s inspiring to see the diversity and creativity of the projects proposed. We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and positively impact the region.”
