EASTERN Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) has supported seven community projects in the Red Hill area that benefit environmental, social and cultural outcomes through grants of up to $3000 each.

EMRC chief executive officer Marcus Geisler said the council was an active supporter of community projects benefiting the Gidgegannup, Hovea, Parkerville and Stoneville areas.

“We are proud of the long-standing support and relationship with the communities in the vicinity of our Red Hill waste management facility. These groups are all passionate, committed supporters of their local communities and it is fantastic to be able to contribute to and aid these activities,” he said.

Grants were awarded for the following projects:

Parkerville Community Band provides an open and enjoyable music outlet for inexperienced and rusty players, of any age, in Parkerville and the surrounding suburbs. The grant has been used to purchase vital band equipment such as music stands as well as second hand equipment for members who may like to join the band.

Gidgegannup Basketball Club provides children and families the opportunity to participate in the game of basketball at all skill levels in a family-friendly atmosphere while instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and community. The grant will be used to purchase team singlets and purchase a club honour board to commemorate 30 years of history.

Gidgegannup Scout Group have been providing the youth of the Gidgegannup and surrounding areas with educational and developmental opportunities following the scouting ethos for more than 25 years. The grant will help the club to upgrade their camping and hiking equipment to and provide safety and resources for everyone to share.

Gidgegannup Junior Football Club provides kids of all ages from the surrounding community with a safe, fun and inclusive environment to participate in Australian Rules Football, make new friends and develop a sense of social and community value. The grant will be invested in additional equipment for the development of junior Bulldogs.

Gidgegannup Men’s Shed (GMS) was set up after the Wooroloo bushfires in 2021 to assist in the recovery process of the community.  The grant funding will help fund a course to be led by local artist Jan Pitman, who is an accredited teacher, and will run for 10 weeks.  The focus will be on beginners to explore their creativity, or to explore the use of art to relieve stress.

Parkerville Playgroup provides a safe, welcoming, dedicated, indoor and outdoor play area for babies and young children and their grown-ups. The funding will be used to help purchase items of light (sensory elements) and paint play equipment for the benefit of all the member families. Young members will use this for art and craft activities, sensory play, exploration of transparency, translucency, colour and shape.

Roar Inc program teaches young people to enjoy physical exercise and to develop a positive active mindset so they can overcome any obstacle. The funds will be used to design and develop a website for the organisations future ongoing use.  There are currently 274 young people enrolled in the program and the site will be needed to process registrations and become an online portal for young people to login, connect and share their journeys.

For more information on the program please visit www.emrc.org.au