Council’s Community Initiative Program grant winners announced!

Published on 27 August 2024

A total of 14 community organisations from the Byron Shire will share in more than $57k funding thanks to Council’s Community Initiatives Program 24-25.

The aim of the Community Initiatives Program is to provide funding for projects run by not-for-profit community organisations and groups that will create positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes.

“Getting ideas off the ground takes hard work and Council is pleased to provide some small grants that we know can make a massive difference for our community organisations,” Council’s Community Project Officer Vanessa Miller said.

“This year we increased the total pool of funding available and received a record number of applications. There were so many amazing and worthy projects,” Ms Miller said.

“The 14 projects selected represent a diverse range of interests and will deliver a huge range of benefits and enrichment to our community.

“I’d like to congratulate all our community organisations and thank them for the tremendous contribution they make,” Ms Miller said.

The projects, to be delivered by June 2025 include:

• Byron Dune Care ($1,200): The Green and Clean Awareness Project will help with protection and regeneration of the dunes and surrounding area at Clarkes and Main Beach, Byron Bay.
• Brunswick Valley Landcare ($4,970): The Junior Landcare Project will facilitate an exciting intergenerational transfer of place-based knowledge and skills in ecological restoration to help protect and enhance the ecology of the Byron Shire. Workshops and events will be held at schools across the area.
• The Pocket Public School P&C ($2,500): Summer in the Pocket is an inclusive community gathering at the local primary school focusing on community connection and resilience.
• Coorabell Hall Association ($3,160): This project will see a defibrillator installed at the Hall and training provided to community members and hirers ensuring the hall is a safe space for all.
• Federal Landcare Group ($5,000): The Camphor Conversion to Rainforest Project seeks to reforest and regenerate public spaces with endemic rainforest "Big Scrub" species. The staged project involves removal and mulching of camphor laurel trees and replanting with native rainforest trees and shrubs.
• Byron Community Centre – trustee for the Byron Bay Community Benefit Fund ($5,000): The Elder Beats – Rhythm and Dance for Seniors Project is committed to combating social isolation and promoting wellbeing among older adults in the Byron Shire. The Project will include monthly dance classes, group djembe drumming sessions, and provide opportunities for seniors to connect, play, exercise, learn, and share experiences.
• Cape Byron Marine Rescue ($5,000): The Communications Infrastructure Project will allow for a staged upgrade to vital communications equipment. This will enhance communication capabilities, ensuring reliability and operational readiness during extreme weather conditions and natural disasters events.
• Federal Community Centre – ($2,500):  Federal Park Party 2024 is a valued community gathering celebrating unity and resilience by bringing diverse groups and services together to connect over activities for all ages.
• The Returning Indigenous Corporation - ($5,000): The Stories of Matriarchal Bundjalung Project aims to record and collate stories of Bundjalung Country into a book or printed resource. The publication will celebrate the stories, culture, and lineage of Bundjalung community and invites both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, to learn from the past so that we can reshape our future together.
• Suffolk Park Community Garden Inc ($5,000): The Community Garden Project aims to redesign the grounds to create a more inviting space, attract new members, hold educational workshops, and grow to become a focal point for the Suffolk Park community.
• Eureka Public Hall ($5,000): The Community Access Project aims to significantly enhance the accessibility and usability of Eureka Hall by undertaking critical repairs to the driveway leading to the hall's carpark and emergency access point. Located at the rear of the hall, the carpark is a vital facility for visitors, volunteers, and emergency services.
• Main Arm Upper Public School ($5,000): Music in the Valley Festival is family-friendly music and arts festival held. The festival features a diverse lineup of local and national talent, including popular children's entertainment, established musicians, and community performers. The festival provides a safe and inclusive environment where families and individuals can enjoy live music, engage in cultural activities, and participate in community-building experiences.
• Dance Integrated Australia - auspiced by Arts Northern Rivers ($5,000): The PH(R)ASE//:1: project is an exciting new initiative aimed at revitalising the dance sector. This 3-day Pitch Lab facilitated by Miranda Wheen and Katina Olsen (Wakka Wakka / Kombumerri) engages both local and visiting dance artists. Led by Philip Channells (Dance Integrated Australia) with support from Kathleen (Sarah) Bolt (Nini Nahri-Gali), the project addresses the needs of local dance practitioners, encompassing physical theatre and experimental performance.
• Ewingsdale Community Association ($3,170): The Revitalising Ewingsdale Hall project aims to enhance the hall by installing heating and cooling systems.

Pictured is Community Initiative Program grant recipients for 23-24: Christmas Cheer in the Bay.

For more information on Council’s Community Initiatives Program go to Council’s website.