Three local community groups have shared in nearly $42,000 as inaugural recipients in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s community major grants program.
The Byford Progress Association received $10,000 to go towards a street sculpture as part of the shire’s street art master plan, the Serpentine Foothills Polocrosse Association received $19,113 for the installation of 60 horse yards and nine watering points at the John Lyster Reserve and the Serpentine and Districts Golf Club was granted $12,700 towards the construction of a limestone entry statement.
Open to local incorporated not for profit groups, the recently introduced program provides financial assistance for projects, which add value to the community.
Byford Progress Association president Colleen Rankin said the grant would go along way towards making the street sculpture a reality.
“We have already raised the other $20,000 to commission the sculpture from internationally renowned artist Len Zuks,” she said.
“Over the last few years we have transformed the highway through Byford with 10 sculptures at a total cost of $460,000 to $100,000 of that coming from council grants.”
Serpentine Foothills Polocrosse Association president Salli Galvin said the club was extremely pleased with the grant.
“The extra yards will insure safe containment of horses during the many equine events that will take place at our polocrosse and pony club grounds,” she said.
“We will be able to host bigger and better events like the state, and even national, titles.”
Serpentine and Districts Golf Club president Scott Hambley said the money was very timely for the club.
“As the club celebrates its 50th year this project is part of the plan to ensure its ongoing viability to provide a top class sporting facility to the SJ community and surrounding areas,” he said.
Shire president Michelle Rich said the community grants program, which began last year, helped promote an inclusive and connected community.
“It’s fantastic to see such worthy recipients in the first round of funding,” she said.
“The funding will allow these groups to undertake projects which will deliver ongoing social, environmental and economic benefits.”
Offered biannually, the community major grants program provides successful applicants with a grant of up to 50 per cent of the total project cost to a maximum of $50,000.
Applications are now open for the next round of funding and closes on February 9.
For more information visit sjshire.wa.gov.au
