The communities of Charlton and Watchem will benefit from a funding boost of more than $72,000 for two projects being driven by the Buloke Community Building Initiative (CBI).
The Charlton Men’s Shed and Watchem Lake Foreshore will both receive upgrades thanks to the funding announced by Minister for Community Development Lily D’Ambrosio during a visit to Wycheproof to open the Great Grain Festival today.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to make Victoria an even better place to live, work and raise a family and these grants will help give local people the community facilities they need,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“We are pleased to contribute $52,355 to the Watchem Lake foreshore upgrade for the installation of barbecue, shelter and playground equipment so that people can continue to enjoy social activities in this beautiful public park.
“We are also helping men get together and work on community projects by providing $20,350 to improve disability access at the Charlton Men’s Shed.
“The works to the Men’s Shed will include replacing the roof, installing a dust extractor and painting the building’s exterior.”
The grant money is from the Macpherson Smith Community Alliance, a partnership between the Brumby Labor Government, Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, and the Victorian Council of Social Services.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the inaugural Wycheproof Great Grain Festival had also received funding from the Macpherson Smith Community Alliance of $5000.
“The Brumby Labor Government is pleased to support activities and projects driven by communities such as these because we know that any activity that brings people together helps develop strong and resilient communities,” she said.
Member for Northern Victoria Candy Broad said through the Buloke CBI, the main driver behind these two local projects, more than 40 local partnerships have been created during the four years the project has been running.
“This is a fantastic result and the 320 people who’ve already given their time for this CBI should be really proud of what they’ve collectively achieved,” she said.
“I encourage more people to get involved in these local projects.”
The Brumby Labor Government provided $10 million over four years to the Community Building Initiative to strengthen Victorian communities through improved community facilities, local employment and economic activities and tourism.
For more information about the Community Building Initiative, please visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au