Playgroup smiles endorse quick grant response
Published on 01 July 2025
Smiles and laughter from children at Winchelsea Playgroup are proof that Surf Coast Shire Council’s Quick Response Grants Program can make a big difference for community organisations.
The volunteer-run playgroup has limited money-raising capacity with its strong focus on keeping costs at minimum for families, but successful application for a 2024 Quick Response Grant enabled purchase of indoor play equipment.
“It has certainly been a hit!” volunteer Bec Lane said.
“It has seven or eight large pieces of soft play which can be put together in different configurations, creating different obstacle courses for children to play on and run and crawl across.
“It means the children can still burn energy with some climbing and fun indoors when it is inclement outside, and we wouldn’t have been able to purchase it without the grant.”
With the 2025 Quick Response Grants Program opening on 1 July, Bec encouraged community organisations to consider applying.
The program offers grants of up to $3,000 to help groups and organisations make minor equipment purchases, expand activities or pursue clever and creative projects that help community to thrive. Find more details via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Grants.
“The application was really straightforward. I’ve done lots of grant applications and what stood out to me with this one was the really quick response, it definitely lived up to its title,” Bec said.
“I would say to others considering applying, this can be a small investment of time for potentially a big investment for your organisation.”
Cr Tony Phelps said the grants program would remain open until the allocations pool of $30,000 is exhausted.
“We encourage community organisations to examine the application guidelines and consider making submissions,” Cr Phelps said.
“We appreciate that finding funds for things like equipment purchases or new projects can be a huge challenge. These grants offer meaningful support in quick turnaround time and can have such significant impact for organisations that are making positive differences in our community.”