COVID grants open
Businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals can apply for Horsham Rural City Council’s COVID-19 Support Grants package.
Applications have opened after the council adopted its 2020-21 budget.
The council will inject all $484,000 raised from a two percent rate increase back into the municipality to support community sectors most affected by the pandemic.
The council formally adopted its budget at a meeting last week. It rubber-stamped the plan after voting against a rescission motion from Cr John Robinson.
Council debate regarding the rescission motion was based on how appropriate the budget was in responding to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 restrictions.
The new funding package will provide support through the following streams: Stronger business: Grants of up to $5000 to support innovation, operational improvements, marketing strategies and business growth in response to the challenges of COVID-19. Recreation and community recovery: Funding for clubs and groups to offset financial losses and membership decline due to COVID-19. There are also grants to respond to COVID-19 hygiene requirements and to reactivate participation in a COVID-19 safe manner. Arts and events activation: Strengthen community resilience and support innovation for groups and individuals in response to COVID-19.
The grants program will be flexible with applications accepted until March 2021 to ensure the support is available when needed. Applications will be assessed and approved monthly throughout this period.
Mayor Mark Radford said the COVID-19 emergency had put many organisations under pressure and council was committed to supporting them.
“Just as we were starting see the light at the end of the tunnel following the first lockdown, circumstances have meant a return to stage-three restrictions,” he said.
“We realise how incredibly hard this is for our businesses, sporting clubs, community groups, organisers of our much loved local events and the many people who contribute to local arts and culture. We want to help them in any way we can to get through this ongoing and challenging situation.
“In particular, our businesses are an integral part of the community and I would encourage everyone to once again get behind them and shop local wherever possible, including when we buy online.”
People can visit website hrcc.vic. gov.au for more information including COVID-19 Support Grants guidelines.
Wimmera update
Yesterday, the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Ararat district officially had a total of eight active COVID-19 cases.
Latest figures released by the Department of Health and Human Services showed Horsham municipality had four active cases, West Wimmera two, Northern Grampians one and Ararat one.
There were no active cases in Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and Buloke shires.