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Applications open for Horsham Rural City Council COVID-19 grants

Businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals can apply for Horsham Rural City Council’s COVID-19 Support Grants package.
Applications have opened after the council adopted its 2020-21 budget. The council will inject all $484,000 raised from a two percent rate increase back into the municipality to support community sectors most impacted by the pandemic.
The council formally adopted its budget at a meeting this week. It rubber-stamped the plan after voting against a rescission motion from Cr John Robinson.
Council debate regarding the rescission motion was based on how appropriate the budget was in responding to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 restrictions.
The new funding package will provide support through the following streams:
Stronger business
Grants of up to $5000 to support innovation, operational improvements, marketing strategies, and business growth in response to the challenges of COVID-19.
Recreation and community recovery



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Funding for clubs and groups to offset financial losses and membership decline due to COVID-19. There are also grants to respond to COVID-19 hygiene requirements and to reactivate participation in a COVID-19 safe manner.
Arts and events activation
Strengthen community resilience and support innovation for groups and individuals in response to COVID-19.
The grants program will flexible with applications accepted until March 2021 to ensure the support is available when it’s needed.
Applications will be assessed and approved monthly throughout this period.
Mayor Mark Radford said the COVID-19 emergency had put many organisations under pressure, and Council was committed to supporting them.
“Just as we were starting see the light at the end of the tunnel following the first lockdown, circumstances have meant a return to stage-three restrictions,” Cr Radford said.
“We realise how incredibly hard this is for our businesses, sporting clubs, community groups, organisers of our much loved local events and the many people who contribute to local arts and culture.  We want to help them in any way we can to get through this ongoing and challenging situation.
“In particular, our businesses are an integral part of the community and I would encourage everyone to once again get behind them and shop local wherever possible, including when we buy online.”

People can visit website hrcc.vic.gov.au for more information including COVID-19 Support Grants Guidelines.