Esperance community-led initiatives will get helping hand from shire

Community-led initiatives that make a difference in Esperance will share in more than $360,000 as part of the shire’s community grants program.

Some of the funding will go towards a new electric locomotive for the Esperance Miniature Railway Society, upgrades at Esperance Bowling Club, and roof repairs at the Bijou Theatre.

A new community centre will support sport and social programs at Scaddan Country Club, and the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay will receive funding to deliver the Balmy Makers & Music Markets as part of the Balmy Nights Festival.

The council also offered three-year recurring funding to a wildflower festival hosted by Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, an Esperance Care Services project that repurposes and recycles excess donations to thrift shops, and the Rotary Club of Esperance’s Australia Day in the park event.

Esperance Community Arts, the Cannery Arts Centre, and Esperance Brass Band will continue to receive three-year recurring funding.

The council allocated a further $80,000 to the small grants category — which stays open throughout the financial year and offers applicants up to $3000.

Acting shire president Jennifer Obourne said the Esperance region was full of passionate people.

“Strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved,” she said.

“The shire’s community grants program is here to give those community champions a helping hand, bringing great ideas to life and creating positive outcomes across the district.”