We are delighted to announce that 26 local community groups will share in almost $800,000 as the inaugural recipients of funding from the Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund.
The $2 million fund was established to support the Sunbury and Bulla communities during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel.
Offered in two components – partnerships and grants, the Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund allows not-for-profit groups to access funding for projects that bring people together and build community capacity.
The program is designed to support these communities, acknowledging the temporary disruption to the local area while soil is being transported during tunnel boring.
It supports a wide range of projects including those that celebrate history or diversity, focus on arts, culture or sport, emphasise learning and development, or enable greater participation of community members.
Two Transforming Neighbourhoods Partnerships of up to $150,000 have been awarded for improvements to community, and sporting and recreation facilities such as the Sunbury BMX Club.
Organisers of the Diwali Festival of Lights are among the recipients of nine Celebrating Neighbourhoods Grants of up to $20,000 that will go towards events bringing local people together.
Meanwhile, 17 Connecting Neighbourhoods Grants are delivering up to $50,000 for one-off projects or activities that aim to improve community facilities, like new technology and equipment for the Bulla CFA brigade.
Applications for the second round of Sunbury & Bulla Neighbourhood Fund will open in early 2023.