Local organisations benefit as Shire of Plantagenet awards $155,000 to nine groups

Nine community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations will share in $155,000 from the Shire of Plantagenet thanks to its community grants program.

Three of the applications were approved by the council in October, while a further six were approved last month.

Kendenup Community and Men’s Shed, Porongurup Community Association, Mt Barker Bulls Football Club, Plantagenet Sporting Club, Mitchell House Art Centre Inc, Mt Barker Youth Care Council, Mt Barker Wildflower Photo Competition Committee, Mt Barker Tourism and Plantagenet Historical Society were the successful applicants.

Kendenup Community and Men’s Shed will receive $7200 for a new facility, the Porongurup Community Association will receive $10,000 to deliver a new music festival, and the Mt Barker Bulls Football Club will receive $5000 to help support disadvantaged teens to play footy, under round one of the program.

Plantagenet shire president Len Handasyde said these projects will help connect the community.

“These projects meet the program’s aim to support projects which improve community capacity, promote social participation and inclusion, and embrace community harmony.”

A further six applications were approved under category four in November with financial support that will be used over the course of the next two to three years.

Plantagenet Sporting Club will receive $39,000 for operating costs, Mitchell House Art Centre Inc will receive $15,606 for material costs, Mt Barker Youth Care Council will receive $25,500 for chaplain services, Mt Barker Wildflower Photo Competition Committee will receive $7570 for expenses, Mt Barker Tourism will receive $46,800 for operating costs and Plantagenet Historical Society will receive $83,940 for operating costs.

“The council allocated $155,000 to the community grants program in the 2025-2026 annual budget to support the vital work of local community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations,” Cr Handasyde said.

The shire’s community grant and industry support applications will open in February.