Lake Macquarie City Council has announced it will provide a further $100,000 to help community organisations and charities respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest round of funding was fast-tracked following the recent escalation in NSW COVID-19 cases and the consequent lock-downs, with applications now open for grants of up to $5,000.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser said the community had been forced to tackle significant social, financial and health-related challenges since the start of the pandemic.
“But this has particularly been the case since the most recent lockdown began,” Mayor Fraser said.
“The measures in place are necessary, but the flow-on effects are many and varied, and we want to do everything we can to help.”
Council’s Manager Community Partnerships, Andrew Bryant said the funding would help direct service providers support the increasing number of vulnerable and at-risk people in Lake Macquarie.
“We want to provide a financial boost to local projects that contribute to the community’s physical health and mental wellbeing and provide opportunities for enhanced, COVID-safe social connection,” he said.
Programs eligible for funding include:
- Food hamper and meal delivery services;
- Mental health support and counselling;
- Emergency welfare support;
- Health and wellbeing programs;
- Community and social connection activities;
- Provision of health or educational supplies to at-risk communities.
Mr Bryant said funded projects had to be completed by 30 November to ensure they provided immediate, direct benefit.
“Community groups seeking to host an event aimed at reconnecting the community once restrictions ease should apply instead for our event and festival funding, which closes on 24 September,” he said.
The grants are among a range of measures Council has taken since the start of the pandemic to help the community.
Assistance available for eligible ratepayers includes payment plans for overdue rates and charges, waiving rates for eligible pensioners, waiving rate increases and writing off interest accrued on overdue rates and charges.
Applications for the latest COVID-19 Community Funding Program close on Monday 13 September. Go to lakemac.com.au for more information.
