TasPorts supports Tamar Valley communities
The TasPorts’ Community Grant Program recently supported projects in the Tamar Valley region.
Posted
31 January 2023
The TasPorts’ Community Grant Program recently supported projects in the Tamar Valley region.
Posted
31 January 2023
A lack of funding has meant the George Town Neighbourhood House’s shed reflooring project was put on hold.
The TasPorts’ Community Grant Program was able to provide the funds to get the project back up and running.
With the renovations now complete, George Town Neighbourhood House Community Support Officer Jessica Berger said the area provided participants with an extra space that felt like home and was not just a shed.
“Many of our programs are run out of the shed because it can accommodate large groups, but for many participants, the space was impractical,” she said.
Jessica said the George Town Neighbourhood House was a sanctuary for many locals facing disadvantage, and the resurfacing of the shed had ensured many social programs could continue running.
“We offer services and support in an array of areas including welfare support, emergency relief, the facilitation of lawyers, psychologists and councillors along with a number of social programs including bingo, movie afternoons and children-specific activities,” she said.
The Community Grant Program has also provided $5,000 to construct a greenhouse at the Low Head Community Garden to allow produce to be grown year-round by garden volunteers.
Thanks to the community of volunteers, this is now complete, with the finished product featuring “beautiful stained-glass windows” donated by a local resident.
Kathy and Joan, from Low Head Community Garden, said the completed greenhouse had made a fantastic addition to the garden.
“It has become the feature piece of the extended garden and already houses a significant number of seedlings and will be an ongoing and essential part of the garden for all involved,” they said.
TasPorts’ Group Executive Kate Dean said the organisation had a long and proud history of supporting community initiatives across Tasmania.
“TasPorts recognises the importance of establishing and maintaining strong, effective links with port communities, and our Community Grant Program enables us to strengthen these relationships,” Ms Dean said.
“I encourage all eligible organisations to consider applying for the next round, opening on 1 February 2023, with $50,000 of funding available.”
TasPorts launched its Community Grant Program in early 2022, offering grants up to $5,000 to support local projects, events and initiatives that benefit local communities surrounding Tasmanian commercial and community ports.
Across the first three grant rounds of 2022, TasPorts has awarded $100,000 in funding and $30,000 of in-kind support to 22 organisations to support a variety of projects across Tasmania.
Originally published in Tamar Valley News, January 2023.