In just 18 months of operation, Benefit Geelong has gifted more than $400,000 to various
community projects to enhance the lives of Greater Geelong residents.
More than $65,000 has been awarded to eight outstanding community initiatives in the latest round of grants.
“These projects will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of local
residents,” Benefit Geelong chair Chris Hickey said.
“The high number of requests we received underscores the vital importance of our work and the ongoing needs within our community.”
Ella Howard is the winner of Benefit Geelong’s student scholarship. Ella is set to embark on a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University.
Grant recipients are:
Geelong West Neighbourhood House: community kitchen, $12,000. A community kitchen will be established to connect, develop, educate and strengthen communities. The kitchen will partner with Barwon Health, Geelong West Community Garden and Murnong Community Garden.
Creativity Australia: With One Voice Geelong, $15,000. Performances with and for Geelong Aged Care Residential Facilities. To bring social and wellbeing benefits.
Leisure Networks: Power 2 Pedal Geelong, $11,454. Designed to encourage children and young people on the autism spectrum to learn how to ride a bike in a safe, controlled and fun environment. Aus Cycling coaches will provide training in term 4 of 2024 and term 1 of 2025.
Norlane Community Initiatives: Labuan Square Commons op-shop, $7750. The work at Labuan Square aims to address the community needs of high levels of social and economic
disadvantage in Norlane including unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, health issues and social isolation. The next phase of the project will go towards the fit-out of their new op-shop to activate the space.
Riding for the Disabled: horse hire, $10,000. Riding for the Disabled-Barwon has been running a therapeutic riding program for 46 years. Through this program, RDA Barwon endeavours to improve young riders’ communication skills, self-confidence and social skills.
The Outpost Inc: security upgrade, $5000. The Outpost Inc is a 32-year-old charity feeding the homeless, food insecure and those most in need in the Geelong region. The Outpost is more than this, it is a place to be really seen and for social connection. There is a real and urgent need to upgrade the security system which is aged and debunked which poses a security risk for both those attending our service 365 days per year, in the days and evening and to their 67 volunteers.
Northern Geelong Rental Housing Co-Op: office equipment, $2630. The Northern Geelong Rental Housing Co-op is a Community Housing organisation that manages 58 properties on behalf of the Department of Housing. Their main source of income is the rent from these properties which must cover all the maintenance and upkeep on all of their managed properties. The grant from will help purchase some office equipment to help provide effective communication with their members.
Geelong Area Multiple Birth Association: Transitioning to Life with Multiples, $3550. TLM provides a new and innovative initiative, which complements existing supports, and meets the unique needs of families of multiples to enhance health and well-being outcomes. New and expectant parents of multiples (pregnancy through to six months postpartum) will be provided with group sessions to offer pregnancy, birth and parenting psychoeducation which facilitates healthy attachment with their babies.
