Council grant helps a growing initiative

Community connections are flourishing along with nutritious vegies and fruit at Moriac’s new community garden.

Moriac Community Network volunteers built three raised, self-watering garden beds for locating at the town’s men’s and women’s shed, and are delighted with the results of their project.

“It has really helped to bring people together,” spokesman Gavern Carnes says.

“I’ve heard some really positive feedback from some of the locals and I believe it has definitely helped encourage people to get out and about – even with the men’s shed and the ladies’ shed, just bringing those two groups together.

“It has been a great little project for the community.”

Produce has included strawberries, snow peas, lettuces, tomatoes, silver beet, broccoli, cabbages, herbs and more.

Community network members lifted the big-hearted project off the ground with the support of a $3,000 Quick Response Grant from Surf Coast Shire Council.

Gavern said applying for the grant had been a ‘no brainer’ for working group members and now they hope to further spread the word that the beds are available for community use at 570 Cape Otway Road.

Council supports a diverse range of community-led projects through its community grants program, and the next round of applications opens on 1 March.

Grants up to $8,000 will be available in the Natural Environment category and $5,000 in the Community Initiative category.

Organisations are encouraged to put projects forward for consideration, and to talk to Council officers with any queries about eligibility or applications.

Projects must align with Council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan, and applicants must contribute a minimum of 30 per cent in cash or in-kind towards project costs

Find more information, including criteria and applications, via our Grants webpage or phone 5261 0600.