By Kerri-Anne Mesner
A ONE-OFF 12-month $20,000 Brimbank City Council grants program that is about to expire with $15,000 still available has led to some councillors questioning the council’s communication strategies.
Cr Natalie Suleyman urged the council to look into strategies to get community groups to apply for such grants programs after the first youth category grant was approved at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
“If we can only attract one application in youth then there is an issue in the way we consult,” the former mayor said.
“I’m a bit stunned to see we only attracted one application.”
Cr Sam David said he felt the council did widely advertise the grants program, but thought the lack of applications was caused by a number of issues.
“I think the language barrier plays a huge part,” he said.
“We have to find avenues to connect with them (people struggling with language barriers).”
But Cr Anthony Abate rejected that, saying it was not hard to communicate with multicultural groups, and the council could use avenues such as ethnic newspapers and multicultural centres to advertise such programs.
“It’s not rocket science,” Cr Abate said.
“If we can’t communicate with our residents, then there is something wrong.”
The latest round of funding approved included $2000 to assist the Multicultural Sudanese Centre’s sport and film program to be held at West Sunshine Community Centre.
Brimbank City Council awarded the Community Strengthening Grant of $2000, bringing the total Community Strengthening funding allocated this year to more than $5300.
The successful applicant will deliver a program that seeks to increase the participation of local African communities.
The Community Strengthening Grant category was introduced to the council’s Community Grants program last year to support new groups, young people and the wider community and offered a total of $14,550 in funding for 2006/2007.
Applications to the Community Grants — Community Strengthening Category 2006/2007 –– will be received up to 30 June.
Application forms and guidelines are available on the council’s website www.brimbank.vic.gov.au, from the council’s Customer Services Centres or by calling 9249 4000.
For more information on the Community Strengthening Grants Program, contact the council’s Community Wellbeing Officer on 9249 4000, or email communitygrants@brimbank.vic.gov.au
