Local groups share in $480,000 windfall

The council awarded more than $480,000 to 88 different community organisations in a special ceremony held at the Bryan Brown Theatre at Bankstown last week.
Also receiving a share of the funding, a music therapy group for people living with disability, a youth outreach event, a healthy relationships education program and a senior’s computer club.
The Community Grants and Events Sponsorship Program 2024/25 provides financial support to community-based organisations to help deliver services, projects and programs that make a real difference in Canterbury Bankstown.
Among the successful applicants was the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (NSW branch), which received $13,000 for its ‘Preschool and Primary School Water Safety Initiative’.
The water safety sessions will educate 1,950 children at 30 preschools across Canterbury Bankstown, with Royal Life Saving Society Australia Cultural Engagement Coordinator, Ying Fan, saying early education is crucial to tackle the high risk of drowning.
“Given that 34 pr cent of drowning deaths in Australia involve people born overseas, and the diverse population in the area, targeted education can bridge cultural gaps,” Ms Fan said.
“Many of these children come from countries with a very different environment; we’re surrounded by waterways here in Australia and it’s so important kids learn to stay safe.”
Another organisation to receive a grant was the Arab Council Australia, which was awarded $10,000 for its ‘Food Support Project’.
Arab Council Australia Community Development Manager, Josette Bashara, said the project would provide 500 food hampers to families and seniors affected by the cost of living crisis, while Mission Australia received $5,500 for its ‘Love Bites Junior’ healthy relationships program, which teaches Year 7 and 8 students how to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said he’s looking forward to “seeing the projects come to life and the positive benefits they bring to our City”.