Officer Community Association welcomes funding boost

Officer Community Association chairman Rob Porter and president Carol Porter. Photo: SUPPLIED

Hillstowe by AVID Property Group (AVID) has announced the recipient of its 2022 Sponsorship and Grants Program, providing Officer Community Association with a $5,000 funding boost.

The new funding furthers Hillstowe’s local community support, which also includes a partnership with the Officer Senior Football Club and sponsorship of the Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club.

AVID Victoria General Manager Peter Vlitas said it was the second time Hillstowe by AVID Property Group had offered the grants program and it was pleasing to give the winning applicants welcomed news to start 2022.

“Hillstowe by AVID Property Group is expected to welcome 600 residents, and we are so pleased to be part of the Officer community,” Mr Vlitas said.

“Our annual sponsorship and grants program is a way of giving back to the community we are so proud to be a part of and a great opportunity to introduce our new Hillstowe residents to the wider Officer community.

“This year in particular, the grants provide a welcomed financial boost to the community following a tough time due to the pandemic.”

On behalf of the Officer Community Association chairman Rob Porter said funds would go towards renovating and restoring the Officer Public Hall.

“As a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation, AVID’s funding will go a long way in helping us to protect the local area’s rich history, traditions and community assets,” Mr Porter said.

“This support in particular will cover the upgrade costs for our Officer Public Hall kitchen which is now more than 100 years old and used by many members in our community

“Restoration of community heritage assets is a big part of what we do, which is why we are striving to preserve the Beaconsfield Reservoir and its 103-year-old dam wall and save and restore Officer’s 100-year-old brick and pipe kiln.

“We believe this is important work that will benefit current and future generations and enhance understanding of our local history amongst residents and visitors.

“We also run Anzac and Remembrance Day services, engage closely with the council and are involved in local improvement projects for tree planting, town footpaths and car parking.”

Hillstowe welcomed Officer Senior Football Club and Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club to its Sponsorship and Grants program in 2021, and funding recently helped with the purchase of an electronic score board.

Three other AVID communities in Victoria – Bloomdale, Savana and Carolina– also offered an annual Sponsorship and Grants Program for 2022. The grants represented an investment of more than $60,000 by AVID into the Melbourne economy.

To keep updated about the Hillstowe by AVID Property Group community, or for more information please visit hillstoweliving.com.au.