Eleven organisations receive grants
Drouin and District Community Bank dispersed almost $20,000 in community grants at its quarterly presentation last month.
Eleven community organisations shared in $19,155.90 to take grants dispersed this financial year to $176,880.52, making it close to $1 million returned in the past four years.
West Gippsland Orchid Club received sponsorship for its annual spring orchid show, which will be held on September 16 and 17.
The Community Bank continued its sponsorship of the Drouin Lions Club annual garden and home expo. The event attracts more than 6000 people and injects funds into the local economy.
Sponsorship to the Drouin Hawks Netball Club and West Gippsland Dance Festival has also been continued, while Warragul Theatre Company received sponsorship for the first time.
The Baw Baw Budgerigar Society received sponsorship for its club championship show. Each year the club holds its own club champion show which is open to all breeders both local and from around the state.
The Labertouche and District Men’s Shed received assistance for the purchase of an air compressor package.
The Ju You Kai Judo Club will use its grant to assist with the cost of soft fall play equipment and accessories.
Local car 141 again received sponsorship for the Variety Bash. This year will be the 12th event for Team Elvis. The team drive a 1974 Ford Fairlane. During this time the team has raised more than $190,000 to help children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
Drouin Secondary College received sponsorship for its DOVE Cambodia trip.
This year 22 students will make the trip and visit places such as the “killing fields” to gain an understanding of Cambodia’s complex history, They will volunteer at a school where they will also donate items before building a wooden house from scratch in five days for a needy family.
Drouin Girl Guides will use its grant to assist with the cost of technology upgrades.
The upgrades will allow the girls to talk to other guides from around the world, watch teaching material and movies at sleepovers as well as support leaders’ meetings.
Following presentations, the Community Bank bid farewell to three volunteer directors.
Chris Arnup retired after 20 years as a foundation board director, while Lyn Arnup was also a foundation board director and current treasurer. Noeleen Goss resigned due to other commitments. She has served on the board for 18 months.