Almost $240,000 in cash and more than $40,000 in-kind assistance will be distributed to 28 events, projects and programs across nine funding streams in the first round of the newly revised 2024/2025 Grants and Sponsorship program.
The program is now split into two funding rounds per year and assists eligible groups and individuals with funds and in-kind support to host community events, upgrade infrastructure, or facilitate art projects to meet community needs and improve quality of life in accordance with Council’s Strategic Plan.
“This program ensures funding is administered in a responsible, just, transparent and equitable manner to all groups and individuals in the community,” City of Mount Gambier Manager Economy, Strategy and Engagement Biddie Shearing said.
“The Grants and Sponsorship assessment panel was comprised of five staff and Elected Members. They met three times to assess the applications using a structured evaluation matrix, which generated a ranking based on how well each application met the predetermined criteria. Key factors considered included economic impact of the event, as well as its long-term sustainability to ensure lasting benefits for the community.”
Minor Events Grant
Up to $2,000 in funds will be provided to community organisations to support the delivery of community events with demonstrated benefit to Mount Gambier.
Seven of the eight submissions were successful in a bid for Council funds:
Major Events Grant
Between $2,001 and $15,000 in funds will be provided to major/significant events held within the region to attract substantial economic benefit and visitation to Mount Gambier.
All 10 submissions will provided with financial and in-kind support including:
Corporate Sponsorship
More than $15,000 in funds will be allocated to large scale signature events or programs that have the potential to be regionally, nationally or internationally significant and provide substantial visitation, media coverage, profiling opportunities and positive economic impact for Mount Gambier.
Four submissions from the eight received will be awarded funding or in-kind support, including:
Following discussion at the September Council meeting, Council will invite the Generations in Jazz committee and the Fringe Mount Gambier committee to present a three-to-five-year business plan and funding models at an Elected Member briefing to be held before the end of the calendar year. Council will also seek further information from Mount Gambier Community Management Inc. and Mount Gambier Swimming Club regarding their applications and the information will be presented to the assessment panel for a recommendation.
Minor Community Strengthening Grant
Up to $1,500 in funds for community projects that support community quality of life, increase the usage of community facilities and/or encourage people to participate in community services and activities and was awarded to one of four submissions:
Major Community Strengthening Grant
A major grant valued at $10,000 will be provided to The Stand Like Stone Foundation to support quality of life and encourage people to participate in community services.
Creative Arts Fund
Two projects will receive funds for creative public art in this round, including:
Sport and Recreation Capital Works Fund
Three local clubs will receive funds to assist in the development of, and/or capital renewal, of sport and recreation infrastructure within Mount Gambier, including:
Round two of the Grants and Sponsorship Program will open for applications in February 2025.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
