Hosting a new-look funding framework that accommodates a much broader selection of applicants, the grants provide nearly $1 million annually to the area's community organisations and groups.
The grants focus on three major areas, including Community Connect, which fosters a community that is cohesive and connected; Community Creative, which focuses on the performing and creative arts; and Community Partnerships, which supports local community services.
Grants are available in separate rounds conducted in July, October and February. In July, recipients included the Breakout Collective, a large group of emerging artists. The funds enabled the 22 artists to stage an exhibition at the local Environment Park that shone the light on the impact emotionally of life in a pandemic.
Photographer April Mountfort was among the exhibitors who presented her unique images for viewing by the local community. She said:
“We wanted the chance to reawaken their sense of curiosity and engage with them, which we have been able to do with this exhibition."
Events such as this have often been the focus of local flyer printing campaigns to help spread the word and boost attendances.
A council spokesperson said that while COVID-19 had brought with it many challenges, it had also provided an opportunity for everyone to find different ways to carry out private and professional undertakings, as well as highlighting the need to remain connected with their local community.