August 7, 2024 -- Carlingford Court High SchoolCredit: Vicinity

Community grants directed $100,000 into community groups in 2024.
Credit: Getty Images

Vicinity's Community Grant initiative has concluded for 2024, awarding grants to a broad selection of community groups spread across Australia.

In its second year of operation, the Community Grants program is aimed at empowering local community groups to deliver programs that strengthen community resilience and connectedness across Australia.

Local to Lake Haven Centre, NSW, YMCA of Sydney Youth & Community Services and Toukley Neighbourhood Centre each received grants to support their work in supporting local vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. The grant will allow the YMCA to run its award-winning universal prevention program that offer free fitness, food, and mental health support.

Meanwhile in Mandurah, WA, Peel Community Men's Shed received $9,000 to continue to champion STEM skills with local youngsters, including the delivery of a bridge building competition in conjunction with schools in the area surrounding Mandurah Forum.

Lake Haven Centre Manager, Joanne Brody awards a grant to YMCA
Credit: Vicinity

“We're looking forward to seeing the positive impact this work will have on our community and are excited to be able to continue to build stronger connections with important community groups.”

Catherine Grbic

Vicinity Social Impact Lead

Youth mentors, Raise were awarded $8,000 through Carlingford Court to continue the work they do facilitating a 20-week early intervention, best practice mentoring program for young people in Years 8 and 9 who have been identified as at risk of engagement, and poor well-being.

Carlingford Court Centre Manager, Craig Tache said, "Raise applied through our community grants program and on reviewing the positive impact they have on our community, we’re pleased to be able to support them to continue to deliver impactful programs and help engage youth in the Carlingford area."

At Sunshine Marketplace, The One Box received $9,000 to help further their work to combat food insecurity and provide nutritious food and support to those in need, particularly young people.

With more grants awarded across the country, Vicinity Community Grants is delivering tangible outcomes to improve communities in which its centres are located.

First launched in 2023, Vicinity Community Grants is focused on four key areas: youth engagement and employment, environment, education, and community well-being. With a total pool of $110,000, the program reflects Vicinity's ongoing commitment to supporting the local communities where its centres are located and creating meaningful places where people connect.

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