Melbourne Airport has announced the opening of its 2021 Community Grants program, which will provide 10 grants of $10,000 to local Neighbourhood Houses. The launch of the program marks Melbourne Airport’s third year working with Neighbourhood Houses to provide a helping hand to existing community programs.
The successful grants program awards 10 individual grants worth $10,000 each to Neighbourhood House initiatives that bring Victorians together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community.
From Craigieburn to Coburg, Broadmeadows to Braybrook and Sunshine to Sunbury, the grants are available to 49 eligible Neighbourhood Houses and ensure each centre has access to adequate resourcing and can be responsive to their community’s unique needs.
Each Neighbourhood House provides services and programs directly tailored to their community. The initiatives range from classes assisting people wanting to re-enter the workforce to family programs offering migrants literacy lessons or computer programs for young people.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi said he was pleased to renew the Community Grants program for a third time.
“The airport’s Community Grants program has been developed in close partnership with Neighbourhood Houses to provide the right social infrastructure and required resources for local communities in the West and North of Melbourne,” said Mr Strambi.
“We understand people are doing it tough. As our state begins to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, Melbourne Airport is committed to supporting programs that provide education and employment pathways for our surrounding communities.
“We’re proud to reopen our Community Grant applications in 2021 as we continue to show our support for the vital services offered by Neighbourhood Houses.”
Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Nicole Battle said Neighbourhood Houses play a crucial role in fostering vibrant, healthy and supportive communities.
“The last 12 months have seen Neighbourhood Houses adapting to ensure they could continue to provide support to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of Neighbourhood Houses will remain extremely important in the year ahead, providing resources in the way of training and job seeking for those experiencing financial hardship,” said Ms Battle.
“The support and investment provided by Melbourne Airport’s Community Grants Program makes a real difference and we look forward to continuing our relationship to ensure Neighbourhood Houses remain at the heart of our communities.”
Applications are open until 21 May 2021. For a list of eligible houses, or to apply, visit www.melbourneairport.com.au/communitygrants