MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has adopted a $2 million COVID-19 grant scheme as part of its $10 million recovery package adopted earlier this year.
The offer of money aims to ease the pain of more than 200 days of lockdown resulting in ongoing financial stress and impacts on wellbeing.
The direct payments will be available from next month to eligible businesses, community groups, creatives (individuals and organisations), not for profits and environmental groups.
“Council is seriously committed to helping our community recover from COVID-19,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said.
“These grants are just one of the many things we are doing to make a real difference. Information sessions and assistance will be provided to ensure everyone is well supported throughout the application process.
“We have expanded some current programs, created new programs and also extended eligibility criteria to ensure great community impact. We have also tightened our internal processing times so we can deliver grants quickly as we work towards a recovered and revitalised peninsula.”
The grants’ opening and closing dates are listed on the shire’s website.
“Local economy booster” vouchers are also available. They aim to increase visits and spending at peninsula venues though a reimbursement program for accommodation and attractions in the off-peak season. They are available to peninsula residents aged over 18 and can be used for paid tours and tourism “experiences”, entry fees to attractions and eligible paid accommodation.
The shire also has a $100,000 program to support sports and recreation clubs over summer and winter.
The shire’s Funding Finder website gives an overview of funding and grants available from state and federal governments, philanthropic organisations as well as the shire.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 21 September 2021
