Community Action Grants funded

The Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) Board awarded more than $130,000 to five organisations for Community Action Grants at the August Board meeting.

Wynyard’s BIGhART has been funded to run First Foods in north west Tasmania. A program to empower young people aged 13-18 through gaining job skills in food service and nutrition, while also providing local support for young mothers.

BIGhART Manager of Tasmanian Facilities Phil Glen, said the First Foods kitchen invites young people to engage with their own values around nutrition and caring for people in their community.

“In the making and the giving, the receiving and nurturing, we are fostering a connected, strong and empathetic community. Thank you TCF for valuing a culture of care in our communities,” Phil said.

“The program will bring recognition and respect to the magnitude of birth by providing high-quality, nutrient-dense meals that are made with love, as well as contributions from local community and pathways into support.”

The Dodges Ferry Primary School Association received funding to provide hands-on sustainable living education at Okines Community Garden with the grade three, four and five students from the school.

Dodges Ferry Primary School Association Committee Member Dawn Green said they are absolutely delighted with the successful grant application with the TCF.

“It was truly a team effort to gather all the required information and I am grateful to everyone in the school association for their help,” Dawn said.

“Grow & Learn sessions see eager students discovering the wonders of mini beasts in the frog pond, tending to the school garden plots and learning about scarecrows, bee hotels, no-dig gardens, composting and food webs.

“We are all celebrating this win and look forward to kicking off the program soon.”

Trevallyn Primary School received funding for a marked walking and running track around their bush playground.

Kingborough Council was funded for their Get Ready for Work course for 15 to 19 year olds wanting to gain skills and qualifications in the hospitality industry.

The Tamar Community Peace Trust was also funded to conduct the Peace in Schools program in the Launceston area.