TCF supports four projects through Community Action Grants

At the February Board meeting, the Tasmanian Community board approved funding for four projects through its Community Action Grants program.

Gateway Life Solutions has received $50,000 to expand its FreshStart program, which provides pre-cooked meals to University of Tasmania students experiencing food insecurity.

President David Burt said demand had risen significantly since the program was piloted in 2023.

“The greatest change has been in the increased need for nutritious meals due to higher rates of severe food insecurity among Uni students as cost of living increases have greatly impacted their ability to purchase food items,” he said.

“Pre-cooked meals have proven more effective than grocery hampers for many students who lack access to cooking facilities or the time and resources to prepare full meals.

“Funding will enable the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment and vending freezers, increasing production and allowing students to access meals on demand.

“By improving food security for the students with healthy, nutritious meals, their health and wellbeing will be greatly improved, which in turn directly impacts their ability to have higher academic success.”

The Huonville High School Association has been awarded $30,050 for its Breaking Barriers for Better Futures pilot, designed to remove transport, financial and pathway obstacles that prevent young people from completing their Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).

Advanced Skills Teacher Glenn Freeman said TCE attainment rates reflected entrenched disadvantage in the region.

“What low rates of TCE achievement means for young people in the Huon Valley is that economic and social disadvantage is perpetuated due to limited further training and work opportunities,” he said.

“The project will provide driver licensing support, subsidised employment certificates and coordinated work based learning.

“Obtaining a drivers licence opens the door for entry level jobs and practical supports will significantly increase the number of jobs young people are eligible to apply for.”

In Franklin, the Living Boat Trust has received $23,500 to support a year long Grebe dinghy build involving Grade 5 and 6 students from Franklin Primary School.

Living Boat Trust President Jean-Pierre Scheerlinck said wooden boat building provided an alternative pathway for students who struggled in conventional classroom settings.

“Wooden boat building is a practical way of introducing students to subjects ranging from basic mathematics to science and history, as well as fostering life skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication,” he said.

“We hope to see the development of pride in self-achievement that will last for many decades as the boats continue to be used by their community,” he said.

The Cinnamon Network has also been awarded $50,000 to pilot a community led social prescribing model in Greater Launceston, strengthening referral pathways that connect people experiencing loneliness with local community supports.

By building cross sector partnerships and improving coordination between health, community and faith based organisations, the project aims to ensure people experiencing social isolation can more easily access meaningful connection and belonging.

“In Tasmania, around one in three people experience loneliness and when it goes unaddressed, mental health pressures rise, services become stretched and people disengage from community life,” Cinnamon Network Senior Manager Tamara Espinet said.

“This pilot will make it easier for people experiencing loneliness to find pathways into connection.

“By strengthening referral pathways and collaboration between organisations we can ensure people are met with understanding, clearer options and a more human response that helps build belonging over time.”

This round of funded projects through the Community Action Grants program reflects the Tasmanian Community Fund’s continued commitment to investing in locally led solutions that create lasting benefits for communities across the state.