Thursday, 20 June 2024

West Gate Neighbourhood Fund

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:40): Nearly a million dollars was recently allocated to organisations in my electorate in the latest round of the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grants. These grants will benefit over 45 different community organisations throughout my electorate.

A decommissioned tram will be transformed into a wellbeing space at St Mary’s Primary School in Altona. It will be a peaceful place for students and provide a space for learning outside the classroom. The South Kingsville Community Centre received $15,000 to hold a block party to commemorate the centre’s 30th anniversary and bring people together for a day of activities, music and celebration. Thanks also to this funding, over the weekend the Willy Lit Fest was able to expand its children’s program for younger children from all over the west to come and explore the joys of reading.

Upgrades of the facilities at Spotty cricket club will enhance community connectedness and participation and see members of my community stay active and healthy. The Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club, based at Willy beach, received $3445 to upgrade safety equipment. Newport RSL received $130,000 to install a commercial kitchen to provide meals for members, veterans and families of Newport RSL and the local community. And finally, the home of the Newport Panthers at AW Langshaw Reserve will have its lighting upgraded to allow for evening training sessions and games. This will make an enormous difference to my community, and I congratulate everyone involved.