Food hampers for struggling families, essentials to help women escaping crisis and water safety sessions for local school children are just some of the initiatives to be funded under City of Canterbury Bankstown’s annual community grants program.
Council awarded more than $480,000 to 88 different community organisations in a special ceremony held at the Bryan Brown Theatre at Bankstown Wednesday 14 August.
Also receiving a share of the funding, a music therapy group for people living with disability, a youth outreach event, a healthy relationships education program and a senior’s computer club. The Community Grants and Events Sponsorship Program 2024/25 provides financial support to community-based organisations to help deliver services, projects and programs that make a real difference in Canterbury-Bankstown.
Applicant organisations could seek funding within five categories; Arts/Cultural, Community, Events Sponsorship, Sport and Recreation and Youth. Among the successful applicants was the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (NSW branch), which received $13,000 for its ‘Preschool and Primary School Water Safety Initiative’. The water safety sessions will educate 1,950 children at 30 preschools across CanterburyBankstown, with Royal Life Saving Society Australia Cultural Engagement Coordinator, Ying Fan, saying early education is crucial to tackle the high risk of drowning.
“Given that 34 per cent of drowning deaths in Australia involve people born overseas, and the diverse population in the area, targeted education can bridge cultural gaps,” Ms Fan said.
“Many of these children come from countries with a very different environment; we’re surrounded by waterways here in Australia and it’s so important kids learn to stay safe.”
Another organisation to receive a grant was the Arab Council Australia, which was awarded $10,000 for its ‘Food Support Project’.
Arab Council Australia Community Development Manager, Josette Bashara, said the project will provide 500 food hampers to families and seniors affected by the cost of living crisis.
“There have been a lot of people who are reaching out, struggling with the current situation,” Ms Bashara said.
“People are asking for material assistance, food vouchers and whatever we can support with.
“This grant will allow us to purchase a range of non-perishable items and deliver it directly to people who are in need.”
Mission Australia also received $5,500 for its ‘Love Bites Junior’ healthy relationships program, which teaches year seven and eight students how to form and maintain healthy relationships. Mission Australia Adolescent and Family Case Worker, Cassie Pace, said it’s important for young people to learn the skills to form healthy relationships with friends, family and later in life with partners.
“Love Bites educates young people about establishing boundaries and also looks at identifying red flags in relationships and how to approach them,” Ms Pace said.
“This grant will provide training for 25 workers and supplies to run the sessions.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said that local groups and organisations are the heart and soul of our community.
“These grants are all about supporting them to deliver their important services and programs,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“I look forward to seeing the projects come to life and the positive benefits they bring to our City.” For more information on Council’s Community Grants and Event Sponsorship Program, visit cb.city/CommunityGrants
