Augusta-Margaret River groups offered annual lifeline in new local government funding program

A new grant scheme for local organisations has opened to applications.

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s Community Support Services Grant provides up to $20,000 each year as part of efforts to fill a gap for local groups.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said funding often failed to reach “vital” community groups working for the betterment of residents, which required the local government to step in.

“There is also limited funding sources available to support our vital grassroots not-for-profits in delivering place-based services,” she said. “With our recent State Government advocacy commitments for increased funding and accessibility to more social services in our region, we have been looking at other ways we, the shire, can support the sustainability of these vital services locally. “These grants have been developed in response to what we have been hearing in the community,” Cr Meldrum said.

“They aim to bring more crucial support services to our shire as well as build the capacity of our existing not-for-profits in responding to our community’s unique needs.”

The new scheme follows a review of the shire’s grant programs after councillors sought more direct involvement.

Previously, there were concerns the local government was moving to back out of ongoing funding arrangements with groups after multi-year funding arrangements were replaced by 12-month funding on short notice.

Instead, the review driven by councillors were designed to find a more sustainable footing for all involved.

A review of the overarching $900,000 annual grants pool last year saw suggestions to hire a new officer position deferred, while a three-member councillor-led committee was now in place to administer the majority of grants worth $10,000 or more.

Applications to the new scheme close on Monday, February 17, and organisations aligning with the shire’s Community Strategic Plan 2040 priorities were encouraged to contact the local government for more information.