Since 2003, Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation has been funding important local projects through its Annual Community Grants Program.
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This year, eight community groups and organisations were selected to receive up to $5000 each, to support them in delivering projects that will build skills, strength and resilience in Benalla.
Tomorrow Today Board chair Sally Gamble said the diverse range of projects highlighted the efforts of locals to re-engage and connect our community after a challenging year.
“We are privileged to be able to support the hard work of our local community groups,” Ms Gamble said.
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“These passionate locals have terrific ideas for projects that will benefit Benalla and surrounds, and we are proud to partner with them and provide the funds to make it happen.”
Creating a safe and inclusive place for locals to connect and enjoy themselves is the goal for Room At The Table (RATT).
Formerly known as Benalla Wizards, Room at the Table is a very active and growing ‘non-sport geek subculture’ group that brings together locals who love video games and modern board games such as Dungeons and Dragons.
RATT founder Carla Gardner said the community grant would be used to create a digital studio, so that through podcasts and live-stream game play they can reach a wider group of interested players.
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“The nature of our group is that it is open to all members of the community with an interest in game play, including those that may experience social stigma,” Ms Gardner said.
“Our group includes a wide variety of community members, from those with a disability, to grandparents wanting to participate in activities with their grandchildren.
“We also have members who may find interacting socially face-to-face difficult at times.
“This studio will allow us to build a digital network which will grow our ability to connect, encourage our members to develop new skills and reduce social isolation.”
People familiar with the Benalla Community Garden will already know the social benefits of its wonderful kitchen garden.
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Benalla Community Garden committee member Tanya Walker said with a grant from Tomorrow Today, they can build a shelter and more seating.
“We are excited to be able to expand the Community Garden, and contribute to reducing loneliness and isolation in our community,” Ms Walker said.
“Locals are already collecting produce from the garden, so we would love to be able to provide additional facilities for community groups to gather at the garden and enjoy the produce grown there. It will be a real hub for locals.”
With Benalla emerging as a leader in the community arts scene, Northeast Artisans (NEA) are jumping at the chance to involve more locals in the joy of creating art.
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NEA president Cathy Pianta said they were receiving a grant to support the delivery of a range of art immersion programs hosted by experienced local artists that cater to all ages.
“Fostering an early love of the arts is vital and we are striving to support and develop all ages and skill levels in their creative ambitions,” Ms Pienta said.
“The funds will be used to make the programs more financially accessible, meaning as many locals as possible can get involved.”
The North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) also received funding.
“We have experienced a bit of a baby boom in Benalla,” NEMA president Su Ingleton said.
After running a successful multicultural playgroup in Wangaratta, the association saw a need in the Benalla community to provide similar support.
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“Families that attend our sessions are all culturally and linguistically diverse, which can make the environment less intimidating for those that are still learning local customs and expectations,” Ms Ingleton said.
Grant funds will be used to support the rollout of the playgroup into the Benalla region.
The program will be held in Tomorrow Today’s PEEP room and be facilitated by experts who can guide families on how to access community services and help with the transition into the wider Benalla community.
For the Goorambat and District Community Group, promoting inclusion and increasing involvement in the community is vital in the current environment.
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The funds the group receives will be used to develop a safe play space for local and visiting children in the region, complementing the barbecue facilities currently in place.
Group secretary Jenny Reaburn can already see the impacts of the meeting place.
“We have already seen local mothers’ groups meeting at the space, and it will be great when locals can meet down there, let the kids have a play, cook a barbecue and generally enjoy the region,” Ms Reaburn said.
Other local projects that received community grants this year include Winton Primary School’s Kitchen Garden Program, Gumnuts’ Bush Kinder Program and Benalla Flexible Learning Centre’s Career Opportunities.
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Tomorrow Today executive officer Rosie Koop acknowledged the financial support that makes these community grants possible.
“Generous donations from our local community have supported the growth of our Community Fund. Income from this perpetual fund allows us to help local groups bring their ideas to life,” Ms Koop said.
“We look forward to following the progress of the projects over the next 12 months, and celebrating the revitalisation of our region.”
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