Stand Like Stone has awarded over $68,000 in its annual small grants round, helping 12 Limestone Coast community projects.
Foundation chief executive Roger Babolka said at the end of last year the Stand Like Stone Foundation awarded $68,225 to projects, including the Mount Gambier Fringe OutReach program, upgrading of facilities for a number of community groups, through to a mobile cool room to support disaster relief activities in the Limestone Coast.
“The impact of donations to the foundation continues to be realised every year, with all donations invested earning income, which is then given back to the community annually through our community grants and educational scholarship programs,” he said.
“The beauty of a donation to Stand Like Stone is that 100% stays local and supports this region forever, and we’re delighted to once again be able to support so many important projects and community activities for this region.
“We’d like to thank everyone who applied for a grant and congratulate the successful projects.
“At the end of the day, it’s thanks to our sponsors, donors, supporters, and grant applicants that we can realise our vision of inspiring community kindness and courage.”
Fringe Mount Gambier spokesperson and Artistic Program Manager Louise Adams was thrilled to receive the grant.
“ The committee are incredibly thankful to receive the Stand like Stone funding to deliver the 2023 Fringe Outreach program,” she said.
“Fringe Outreach is an important accessibility program taking Fringe performers and art experiences out to community groups, including aged care, those living with disability, or experiencing mental health and regional foster families to name a few.
“As a community-led and focused arts festival, it is fantastic to team up with an organisation like Stand Like Stone.”
Successful grant projects were Tatiara Men’s Shed – $3609 to enclose an existing lean-to on the side of the Men’s shed to protect both its members and equipment from the elements; Penola Coonawarra Music Gathering – $5000 to assist with the purchase of important hygiene management equipment and supplies for the 2023 event; Penola Terra Rossa SACWA – $2148 to purchase an all-weather marquee to assist with and improve catering events undertaken by the CWA; Imagine Millicent – $5000 assist with the installation of a large community mural in Davenport Street, Millicent; Mil Lel Memorial Park – $10,000 to replace a very old, ineffective and costly heating system for the hall; Mount Gambier City Hall Inc – $10,000 to replace the original 1965 roofing on the City Band Hall due to its poor overall condition; Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group – $1798 support the purchase of wigs and turbans for the Mount Gambier Oncology Unit to gift to cancer clients; Millicent United Soccer Club – $7460 enable the renovation and upgrade of the toilet facilities to ensure inclusiveness for all users of the club’s facilities, including club members and the wider community; Rapid Relief Team – $10,000 to purchase a mobile cool room trailer to support delivery of catering activities during bushfires and other emergencies across the Limestone Coast; Fringe Mount Gambier OUTreach – $10,000 to support the further expansion of the very successful OUTreach program from last year which takes Fringe events and activities out to the region, for those who may face barriers in accessing and participating in art and cultural events; Millicent High School Pathways – $807 to support students at the centre in Millicent to tailor personalised and alternative education outcomes; Keith Hospital – $2403 to support the Keith Hospital Future Fund.
