Mandurah community groups, sporting clubs, non-profits encouraged to apply for new round of grants

Community groups, sporting clubs and non-profit organisations who want to deliver a community focused project are being encouraged to apply for a new round of grants from the City of Mandurah.

The next round of Community Grants is now open, with groups able to apply for one-off funding up to $5000 for projects, creative ideas and events that benefit the local community.

Since their inception, the Community Grants have helped hundreds of local groups and organisations to deliver a range of projects that increase community capacity, engagement, participation and skills and training in Mandurah.

In 2020, Mandurah Council endorsed an increase to the annual contribution for community grants by $100,000 per year for two years, as a way to support the local community in its response to COVID-19.

Last year, Ocean Road Primary School in Dawesville used a grant, sourced through the school’s P&C association, towards the Six Seasons mural art project at the school.

Year 5 and 6 students, parents and teachers collaborated with local Indigenous artist Daniel McHenry to learn about Aboriginal artwork, culture and history.

Through completing workshops with Mr McHenry, the students gained a deeper appreciation of and connection to Indigenous culture, including Noongar language, and an understanding of the six Noongar seasons.

The students used their new learnings about symbols used in Aboriginal art and the six seasons to create an impressive artwork on a large water tank which is on a prominent location at the school.

The artwork was reflective of the local environment, estuary, bush and flora and fauna.

Ocean Road Primary School teacher Rebecca Beatty said the students made a real connection with Mr McHenry and were deeply engaged during the workshops.

“The students enjoyed learning about symbols used in Aboriginal art and learning about how the seasons impacted on Indigenous people in regard to flora and fauna,” she said.

“The artwork they produced as the result of discussions was really impressive.”

Mayor Rhys Williams encouraged local groups and non-profits to apply for the funding to make a positive difference in the community.

“We’re proud to have many amazing groups, clubs and organisations doing great things in our community. This is just one of the ways we support these groups to connect the community and help make Mandurah an even better place to live,” Mayor Williams said.

Applications for the Community Grants are now open, and will close on March 31.

For information on applications, go to mandurah.wa.gov.au/grantsandsponsorship

Applicants should read the guidelines on the website, and then contact one of the City’s Community Development Officers on 9550 3850 (or email cdo@mandurah.wa.gov.au) to discuss their grant idea, and then submit their applications online.