Port Fairy-based councillor Mick Wolfe has signed off on $56,794 in community assistance funding in his first Moyne Shire meeting as mayor.
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A first-time mayor, Cr Wolfe was unanimously voted into the position unopposed at a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon. He thanked outgoing mayor Cr Jim Doukas for his efforts in the role during the past year.
In the second round of funding, the Friend’s of St Brigid’s Association was allocated $20,000 to undertake internal structure work to restore the church in Crossley, part of a $32,500 project.
The Port Fairy Tennis Club was given $11,533 to complete works including fencing and wind protection of its new court facility, while the Nirranda and District Community Facility was granted $9250 for a new mower.
Other grants included $4000 for the Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club to expand its education and training capacity, $3150 for the Nullawarre Township Committee’s ‘cowstallation’ project – which will see three life-sized fibreglass cows installed to attract visitors – as well as $2752 for the Kirkstall Recreation Reserve Committee to replace two picnic settings.
Cr Jordan Lockett said the ‘cowstallation’ would be a “real tourist drawcard”.
“The project is an excellent example of how the community can come up with a great idea, bring it to the shire and we can assist them,” he said.
MacArthur Gun Club was allocated $2175 for the refurbishment of its trap house and other areas, Wangoom Recreation Reserve got $1927 for an equipment and facility upgrade, Peterborough Tennis Club received $1500 for an annual children’s tennis coaching week and the Purnim Hall Committee got $507 for the restoration of photographic material ahead of the town’s 150-year celebrations next year.
Councillors unanimously signed off on the funding allocations, with Cr Colin Ryan describing the community assistance funding as “a fantastic system”.
“It gives the opportunity for community-based clubs and organisations to access funds from council that they would not have been able to otherwise recieve,” he said.
Cr Jim Doukas said he was pleased MacArthur Gun Club received funding, noting Moyne Shire students had performed well in statewide shooting events.
“Hopefully this small amount of money will see a local win a gold medal in the Olympics in the near future,” Cr Doukas said.
