Goulburn Valley again reaps philanthropic harvest

Ten community groups in the Goulburn Valley will benefit from grants through the McEwen Foundation, which is managed by Equity Trustees.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) administers the grants program, which is aimed at strengthening Goulburn Valley communities. In total, the program will distribute $67,500.

Tabitha Lovett, General Manager, Philanthropy, Equity Trustees said that the funds have been distributed in accordance with the wishes of the late Lady McEwen, who established the Foundation.

“Priority was given to projects that support youth development and vulnerable young children; early learning and development services; and accommodation which benefits older people,” she explained.

“We are delighted to see these small grants being leveraged to address important local issues and strengthen regional communities.”

Alexandra Gartmann, CEO of FRRR, said Foundation is especially pleased to be able to support some truly innovative programs to engage young people.

“This year we are funding several groups and innovative programs that help meet community needs and which would otherwise not go ahead. Grants will also go toward enhancing existing facilities or upgrading infrastructure that is so essential to the ongoing vibrancy and quality of life of people across the Goulburn Valley.”

Projects funded in the 2015 grant round, which is the eighth year the program has operated, are listed below. Pictured above are the grant recipients at a ceremony in Shepparton.

Organisation

Project & Description

Location

Grant

Aboriginal Literacy Foundation Inc.

Our Stories - Indigenous stories for early and young readers

Improvement of Indigenous literacy, numeracy, health and promotion of reconciliation, through the development, publication and distribution of five early learning readers.

Via Shepparton

$6,000

Australian Red Cross Society

In search of safety - Shepparton

Development of tolerant and understanding community attitudes to refugees and migrants through the delivery of workshops for Grade 5 and 6 students at two schools.

Shepparton

$6,000

Euroa Health Inc.

Good Sleep for Improved Lifestyle at Euroa Health's Aged Care Facility

Maximise residents’ comfort and quality of life in new aged care facility through introduction of new specialised beds.

Euroa

$8,500

Heartkids Vic Inc.

Heartkids Outreach Family Support

Strengthen local support for families with children with heart conditions, through the provision of a co-ordinator to convene local networks and assist in skills development.

Cobram Echuca Shepparton

$5,000

Hepatitis Victoria Inc.

Hep C Free Campaspe

Education of young people in the dangers and risk reduction strategies for Hepatitis through the extension of a photography education project and exhibition.

Echuca
Rochester
Kyabram

$6,000

Life Saving Victoria Limited

Open Water Learning Experience - Regional Aquatic Program

Increased awareness of water danger and safety through provision of open water swimming and water safety education for 1,000 primary and secondary age students.

Shepparton
Yarrawonga
Echuca

$9,000

Resource, Information, Support & Education Centre

Secret Agent Society - The Mystery of Social Encounters

Increased support for families with Autism Spectrum children through the local provision of a behavioural change education and skills program.

Shepparton

$8,500

Seymour Elderly Citizens Hostel Inc.

Catch Some Rays

Increase comfort and quality of life for residents’ in new aged care facility through the installation of shade sails, outdoor blinds and window tinting.

Seymour

$5,000

Shepparton Retirement Villages Inc.

Installation of Ceiling Hoist System

Maximise comfort and quality of life for residents’ in aged care facility through the installation of ceiling hoists in line with best-practice patient handling.

Shepparton

$5,000

Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre Inc.

Wetlands Comes Alive - Phase 2 of VT Community Wetlands Project

Maximise aged care resident’s quality of life and enhanced health outcomes through the creation of a wetlands walking track adjacent to the aged care home suitable for use by residents.

Violet Town

$8,500

 

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