Grants now open for community groups
South East Water’s 2023 Community Grants program is now open, with grants of up to $10,000 available to help local groups make community projects possible.
Now in its fourth year, the program has so far granted over $220,000 to 50 community groups across its service region.
In 2022, the grants program supported 16 community groups with a range of community initiatives, from rescue equipment for Pakenham SES to water safety sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place.
Bluearth, a not-for-profit organisation that helps primary school students to stay active was one of the successful recipients, receiving a $10,000 grant. Their ‘Active Schools’ program improves students’ levels of physical activity and mental health through movement and mindfulness workshops led by a Bluearth-certified Coach.
The grant funding helped deliver the program to 4 primary schools across Melbourne’s south east, including Dandenong West Primary School, South Melbourne Park Primary School, Clarinda Primary School in Oakleigh and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Oakleigh.
Top photo:
Bluearth ‘Active Schools’ program participants from Dandenong West Primary School (Bunurong Country) pictured with (L-R): Bluearth Coach, Jake Penman; South East Water General Manager Service Delivery, Simon Willis; Dandenong West PS Principal, Beverley Hansen.
“Our Active Schools program plays a significant role in promoting healthier, happier, more cohesive school communities.
We’re very grateful to have received this grant that enabled us to support so many students’ physical, social and mental wellbeing.”
Bluearth Coach, Ryan Stone
“Bluearth is just one of the many community groups in our service region who is working hard to support the community. We want to help groups like this continue their great work.”
"If your community group is within our service region and needs support for a project, I encourage you to apply now for a grant."
“Our grants program also aims to support projects for community groups that have been impacted by our services, such as a sewer spill, reduced water quality or water service interruption.”
South East Water General Manager Service Delivery, Simon Willis
Applications are now open for eligible community groups across the South East Water service region for projects that make our communities better places to live.
This includes projects that:
· support vulnerable community members
· make our environment healthier
· help people be more active and connected
· help make sure we all know about water and how to use it in the best way possible.
Applications close 5 pm, Friday 21 April.
Visit southeastwater.com.au/grants to apply for a community grant.
For further information or enquiries
Contact us at media@sew.com.au.