Skills boost funds up for grabs

GREATER Dandenong community groups can now apply for up to $20,000.
The council will award grants for projects and events to benefit the municipality in the second round of its 2013-14 Community Support Grants Program, open until 6 September.
Mayor Anglea Long said health and wellbeing and skill development projects would receive priority.
Projects funded in the first round included Noble Park Chess Club’s plan to host the biennial National Chess Championship of Australia over 10 days at the Springvale Town Hall, which received $10,000.
Noble Park Aquatic Centre received $1000 for swim safety classes for African children, Springvale Basketball Club got $5000 to run an inclusive basketball program for children unable to play in competitive leagues, and the Refugee Homework Club received $2500 to hold weekly homework support classes for high school students and English classes for adults.
Groups need to submit a written application, outlining the project or activity the grant will support and how it will benefit residents in Greater Dandenong.
Potential applicants can find out more about the grants at information sessions this month – at YStop in Dandenong from 6pm to 7.30pm on 5 August, 6pm to 7.30pm at Noble Park Aquatic Centre on 12 August, 10am to 11.30am at Noble Park’s Paddy O’Donoghue Centre on 16 August, and Springvale Neighbourhood House from 10am to 11.30am on 19 August.
For application forms, visit the council’s customer service centres, libraries or www.greaterdandenong.com or call community funding officer Matthew Bulloch on 9239 5179.