Region’s grants a major boost
A QUINTET of Greater Geelong region projects will share in more than $270,000 of Federal Government grants.
The Government announced the ‘ Community Investment’ stream of its Building Better Regions Fund on Monday, awarding grants between $19,620 and $100,000 to projects in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Colac Otway Shire.
Australian Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the grants would deliver major benefits to the region.
“The Community Investment stream of the Building Better Regions Fund is another part of our plan for regional Australia,” Mr McVeigh said.
“It supports community activities from expanded local events and strategic planning to improving leadership and capability.”
“Under Round 2, the Coalition Government is investing more than $4 million in over 100 Community Investment stream projects across Australia valued at over $7.3 million.
“This is expected to create more than 4000 jobs which will beef up local economies.”
The City of Greater Geelong will receive $100,000 to develop strategic, business and marketing plans for the city’s heritage assets.
The Colac Otway Shire will also receive a $100,000 grant for its Forrest Mountain Bike Trails Detailed Design Plan — a comprehensive development plan for a trails network.
Bellarine Community Health will be handed $35,000 to enhance the leadership skills of health and community sector leaders, and overcome resourcing challenges.
G21 Geelong Region Al- liance will receive a $20,000 grant for a ‘Provincial Food Showcase’ on the Bellarine Peninsula, while the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce will receive about $20,000 to fund four special bus tours during the 2018 WinterWild festival.
Corangamite federal Liberal MP Sarah Henderson said the grants were a “fantastic outcome” for the projects.
“These projects will drive economic growth and transform communities, ensuring that our region remains resilient and prosperous into the future,” Ms Henderson said. BUNGLING bandits who broke into a Lara coffee shop last week were only able to get away with a lolly jar.
The underwhelming loot was taken about 3.30am on June 30 from Avanti Drive Thru after two men in a stolen Mazda Bravo ute arrived at the McClelland Ave shop.
Manager Leah Smith said the pair were in the shop for less than a minute as the store’s alarm blared.
“All they got was the lolly jar because they were in the shop for about 30 seconds.”
It is the fourth time the shop has been broken into in the past four years with a safe and iPad taken during other break-ins.
Ms Smith said cash was no longer kept on the premises at night.
She said two men wearing hoodies were captured on CCTV, above, rummaging through the shop.
Anyone with information on the break-in is urged to call the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit on 5225 3100 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.