KINGSTON councillors are considering cutting promised grant funding for seven community groups.
At a meeting last week a majority of councillors voted to receive a report in the next few months assessing options to cut funding for the next two years of its “festival, events, and creative activities” grants stream. The money would be reallocated to “Community Support Services that are currently underfunded and demonstrating significantly increased community need”, the council motion read.
The affected groups and events are: Australia Mission of SAI – Diwali Festival of Lights, L’Chaim Chabad – Chanukah at the Foreshore, Parkdale – Beachside Gift, Waterways Residents Association – Waterways Community Festival, Aspendale Gardens Residents Association – bi-annual community fun day, Druze Community Charity of Victoria – Druze Community of Victoria Fete, and Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh Inc – Festival of Kshampana (Forgiveness). The News understands each group was due to receive at least $10,000 per annum.
Kingston Council acting community strengthening general manager Kate Waters said “having realigned our grants last year, and with a new council now in place, it is timely to review the overall annual grants budget.” “Considering the current cost of living challenges, councillors want to look at ways we can better assist our local community support organisations. This includes potentially re-prioritising funds from year two and three of the festival, events and creative activities grant stream.
A report outlining potential options will be presented to our May council meeting and this is now an information gathering process,” Waters said. “The number and diversity of our community groups and clubs is one of the main reasons Kingston is such a great place to live, work and play and we are very proud to be able to support their ongoing efforts through our grants program.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 5 February 2025