Sutherland Shire Council has awarded $500,000 in grants and subsidies to 42 local not-for-profit organisations through its Annual Community Grants and Subsidies Program. The initiative highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to assisting those most in need across the community. This year saw record demand, with 83 applications totaling more than $1 million in requests, underlining both the growing needs of the community and the remarkable capacity of local groups to deliver support.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Laura Cowell expressed pride in the program, noting that these grants symbolize more than financial support – they represent a partnership between council and community groups. She emphasized the positive impact of the funded projects, which foster belonging, resilience, and wellbeing, while also transforming lives across the Sutherland Shire.
The funded projects cover diverse areas including seniors’ social groups, youth mental health initiatives, disability services, and programs tackling domestic violence and homelessness. Among the recipients, Cancer Patients Foundation was able to continue its ‘Look Good Feel Better’ workshops, which provide vital support to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fundraising Manager Nicole Jervis shared that council’s funding made it possible to sustain the program, while a participant named Evelyn highlighted how the workshops made a lasting difference during her recovery.
Another recipient, Project Youth, used its grant to support the COMPASS Program, a hub designed to assist young people facing homelessness. According to Youth Worker Tash Ransford, the funding helped provide critical resources, including housing, education, employment support, and emergency aid to 113 young people, significantly improving their lives.
The council stressed that it values these partnerships with community groups and looks forward to continuing its support in the years ahead, ensuring that local organisations can keep delivering essential services and programs that directly benefit residents.
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