By Mitchell Clarke
The Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre and The Australian Food Network have received $10,000 each as part of Australia Post’s 2019 community grants program.
The community centre will use the money to fund a program which connects and empowers local volunteer groups to enable a more effective and coordinated response in times of emergency.
With the program set to launch in December, Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre president Dr Caroline Spencer said being a recipient will benefit the entire community by creating increased connections and stronger social networks.
“The grant enables a structured approach to mobilise people in their place within the Upper Beaconsfield and neighbouring communities to achieve long-term sustainable change by encouraging collaboration between community groups and local business to co-design neighbourhood connections that overcome barriers to participation in a high-risk bushfire area,” Dr Spencer said.
“Significant to this project is reducing isolation by connecting with new residents who are unfamiliar with bushfire risks typical to this area, thereby achieving a connected community that survives and thrives.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Food Network will also receive $10,000 to fund its United African Farm Initiative in Longwarry.
The farm connects African migrant communities by sharing skills, knowledge and culture from their own traditions alongside Australian traditions through farming and food.
Farm manager Thuch Ajak said the grant will take the group much closer to achieving their dream of becoming a viable community food and farming social enterprise.
“The grant will have a major impact on our community in terms of helping many more members to become involved through having a reliable means of transport, as well as creating employment and educational opportunities for members,” Mr Ajak said.
The Australia Post community grants program has awarded almost $500,000 to 75 not-for-profit organisations across the country for the delivery of grassroots community projects, with the majority of recipients being centred in rural and regional areas.
