Max Hatzoglou
Australia Post has announced grants of up to $1,000 each to support 356 community groups including eight across Melbourne’s west.
Community groups were nominated by local posties, Post Office workers or another Australia Post team member for the grants.
Across Brimbank, four community groups received funds.
The Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine received $984 to produce an e-newsletter and update their website presence to raise awareness of the benefits, history and current programs at the gardens.
The gardens located in the city of Sunshine since 1908 are a heritage-listed place of significance and the Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens group was set up in 2007 to support the improvement of the gardens and to ensure its historical significance is respected and maintained.
Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens secretary Russell Smith said “by raising awareness of the gardens, members of the community will be able to participate in the activities of the Friends Group to improve the gardens and maintain its heritage importance for the benefit of the local community and the State of Victoria as a whole.”
“Activities include annual Community Festivals, Tours, Weeding and Planting days, and participation in the Group’s advocacy work among the local Council and Heritage community.
“The funding will enable a Newsletter to be sent out, and a computer consultant engaged to improve the Friends’ Website.
“The consultant will also provide training to the friends on updating and maintenance of the Website. Finally, the funds will be used to enable the Newsletter and Flyers to be printed and distributed in hard-copy for those who don’t have Internet.”
The Refugee Migrant Children Centre in Sunshine received $1,000 to purchase supplies for their school holiday program.
The centre’s program manager Soheila Lew said “settling in a new country and navigating all the challenges that come with it, a lot of kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds don’t have the time and means to enjoy a fun school holiday.”
“Australia Post’s generous donation allows RMCC to provide these kids with exciting school holiday activities so they can create positive childhood memories, feel belonging in their new home, and make lasting friendships.
“Part of the donation will go towards school stationeries for the new term so RMCC kids are not at a material disadvantage to their peers.”
The Keilor Basketball Association received $1,000 to hold a First Nations Round to acknowledge the contribution of the Indigenous community and to celebrate their culture.
The Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association in Cairnlea received $1,000 to purchase new equipment as part of their program to encourage girls to become involved in soccer.
Australia Post head of community Nicky Tracey said the program supported locals through the nominations of Australia Post who have connections with the local communities.
“With more than 4,000 post offices around Australia, and delivery teams travelling to the furthest corners of the country, we understand the importance of the connections our people have with the communities we serve,” Ms Tracey said.
“These grants give us an opportunity to support what matters to our team members, and to help them to help others in their local community.
“We are delighted that so many of our people around Australia were keen to make a difference and nominated an organisation close to their heart for a grant.”
In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay municipality Victoria State Emergency Service, Hobsons Bay Unit received $925 to purchase emergency portable lighting to improve volunteers’ capability to perform night-time operations.
The Footscray Hockey Club received $980 to provide heart training for club leaders which will empower leaders to set up systems that encourage inclusivity at the club.
Yarraville’s 300 Blankets received $1,000 to purchase food supplies to support their food service for vulnerable community members.
In Wyndham the Bangla Band Association Australia in Hoppers Crossing received $1,000 to organise a community rock concert featuring local Bangladeshi Bands.
