Bev Henwood, Rob Porter and Cardinia Shire mayor Garry Runge.COMMUNITY groups gathered at Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham on Friday to celebrate the announcement of more than $405,000 worth of Cardinia Shire grants.
The capital works grants are provided each year by the council to assist local community, sporting, education and leisure groups complete and upgrade buildings and facilities.
This year 69 groups will share the grants, receiving amounts of up to $30,000 to fund major construction works of community facilities.
Mayor Garry Runge said the standard of applications this year was again exceptional, and reflected the professionalism and dedication of the shire’s many volunteer committees.
“Council provides support and money, but we appreciate it is our volunteers who put hours of effort and coordination into operating many community facilities,” he said.
“I was also pleased to note the diversity of the recipients and their broad spread across all shire wards.
“These grants truly represent something for every interest, for every age group, in every part of our shire. I look forward to seeing these diverse and exciting projects take shape.”
Also awarded was the inaugural Stan Henwood OAM Award for service to the Cardinia Shire community.
The award is named for the late Stan Henwood, a tireless community worker, particularly in Tynong.
The award was presented by Mr Henwood’s widow Bev to Rob Porter, who earned it after dedicating almost 50 years to maintaining and building the Officer recreation ground as a safe place for kids to play sport, in an effort to create happy, healthy children.
Council grant applications are invited from the public early each year.
Funding is offered on a dollar for dollar basis, with priority given to those addressing health and safety issues.
