The Gippsland Community Foundation is pleased to announce funding of $100,000 towards critical upgrades for four community halls across far East Gippsland. This funding comes from the East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund, which was established through generous public donations following the devastating Black Summer Fires of 2019/2020. The fund has been pivotal in addressing long-term recovery needs for fire impacted communities in the region. The communities of Goongerah, Tubbut, Bonang and Bendoc will have the funds distributed accordingly towards the upgrades of the town halls and facilities. The upgrades will provide much-needed improvements to these vital community spaces, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and accessible for local residents. These facilities play a crucial role as community gathering points during emergencies and everyday activities. They are essential gathering points in the community during time of crisis, as well as important spaces for community connection. The project is being supported by additional co-funding in a partnership approach, with East Gippsland Shire Council providing funding to facilitate project management, utilising Warm Corners Consulting. East Gippsland Shire Council funding has been obtained from the Victorian Government through Emergency Recovery Victoria and Commonwealth Government, under the Commonwealth-State Category C Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, in response to the 2019-2020 Eastern Victorian Bushfires. Additional funding has also been received from the Regional Development Victoria Tidy Towns grant funding. Michelle Dowsett, Gippsland Community Foundation Executive Officer states “We are proud to support the restoration and improvement of these community facilities. After the Black Summer Fires, it has been critical to invest in infrastructure that enhances our community spaces, but also strengthens their role as resilience centres. This investment will build increased community resilience and encourages strong community connections, all while ensuring we support communities to achieve their own regional self-determined needs. The role of the Errinundra to Snowy Community Recovery Committee in supporting this project was paramount to ensure this funding went where it was needed in the region.” The planned improvements include: • Tubbut Hall: Installation of a fire protection sprinkler system, essential restumping works, and the addition of an EV charger, making it the first EV accessible stop on the scenic McKillops Road. • Goongerah Hall: Completion of a verandah extension, improving outdoor space accessibility and safety. • Bonang Hall: Bathroom block upgrades, including shower facilities and essential amenities to enhance usability for community gatherings. • Bendoc Hall: Connection of power to the GreenShed, enabling greater functionality of this shared space. The Gippsland Community Foundation remains committed to supporting East Gippsland communities on their long-term recovery journey. The Gippsland Community Foundation works to enhance the well-being of communities in Baw Baw, La Trobe, Wellington and East Gippsland through strategic initiatives, grants, and partnerships. With a vision to empower and uplift the region, the Foundation is committed to fostering resilience and supporting community-led approaches for their own selfdetermined better futures. For more information, visit www.gippslandcf.org.au
