Grants put to good use

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
UPPER Yarra community groups have benefited from VicForests’ community grants.
Almost $20,000 in VicForests grants will support local, not-for-profit organisations in the Central Highlands including the Upper Yarra Pony Club, Warburton Millgrove Cricket Club and Upper Yarra Historical Society.
The Upper Yarra Pony Club will use its grant to add a verandah to the clubhouse for use by members, families, instructors and guests, while the Warburton Millgrove Cricket Club committee plans to purchase new practice nets and protective equipment.
The Upper Yarra Historical Society has put its grant towards an exhibition, which highlights the impact of the timber industry and transport infrastructure on the employment, the economy and social structures in the Upper Yarra Valley.
VicForests’ Community Relationship manager Liz Langford said the annual community support program assisted a range of groups across the region to undertake activities that directly benefit the local community.
“The Community Support Program builds on VicForests’ long standing involvement with communities across eastern Victoria and allows us to support local organisations and other groups such as sporting clubs,” she said.
Ms Langford said each submission was considered, using set criteria including how the project would benefit the local area, how many people would benefit and how the project would assist VicForests to educate and inform the community.
“It also highlights the vital contribution the native timber industry continues to make to regional communities in Victoria, including those in the Central Highlands,” she said.