Small Grants Give Projects Big Hope

The recipients of the first round of Community Small Grants Funds were announced by the State Government at the Manjimup Speedway on Friday 22 September 2023. The grants form part of the $80 million Native Forestry Transition Plan established following the Government’s announcement in October 2021 to end native logging.

“We extend our congratulations to the 27 business and community groups who will share the $2 million of funding in round one, of which, the following 16 operate within the Shire of Manjimup Community. The Just Transition Plan has been designed to support affected workers, diversify local economies and identify and secure sustainable job creation” said Shire President Paul Omodei.

• Aerial Adventures – funding towards a new aerial adventure high ropes course at Gloucester National Park
• Blackwood Youth Action Inc – establishment of a welcoming space for maginalised youth in Manjimup
• Farmhouse Flowers – expansion of existing business
• Geegeelup Village Inc – expansion of residential care housing in Manjimup
• Manjimup Arts Hub – expansion of Existing Arts Hub to support diversification of services
• Manjimup Repertory Club – theatre building repair and upgrade
• Manjimup Seventh Day Adventists Church – transportation support for Manji Pantry Foodbank Service
• Manjimup Speedway – lighting upgrade
• Mila Holdings (Tall Timbers) – interactive brewing, distilling, cider and regional produce cellar door experience
• Pemberton Cycling Association – establishment of mountain bike trail network within Pemberton Arboretum
• Planted Passion Pty Ltd – expansion of existing organic farm to establish stone fruit orchard
• Southern Roasting Co – expansion of Coffee roasting production in Manjimup
• Southern Forest Arts – installation of art sculptures within existing Understory and nature trail in Pemberton
• South West Snails – expansion of existing edible snail growing business
• Verge Enviro Pty Ltd – business case for new waste transfer station in Manjimup
• Warren Catchment Council – delivery of Australian Master Tree programs to build skills for farm-based forestry.

Applications for the second round will open later in the year and organisations and groups who have missed out the first round of grants are urged to submit an application in the upcoming round or refine your application if your first one did not meet the requirements.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Brian Robinson, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President
Contact: 0448 810 773