Council grants groups’ wishes

PAKENHAM groups and organisations last week shared in more than $50,000 worth of community capital works grants from Cardinia Shire Council.
The council provides the grants each year to assist local community, sporting, education and leisure groups complete and upgrade buildings and facilities.
A big winner was Pakenham Kindergarten, which received almost $20,000 for extensions.
Pakenham groups to receive funding included Andrews Community Kindergarten ($2815), Pakenham Cricket Club ($1200), Pakenham Little Athletics ($4000), Pakenham Tennis Club ($2500), Pakenham Hall ($3250) and Living and Learning in Cardinia (LLINC) which received $4632 to upgrade an activity room. Pakenham Heights Kindergarten also received $7000 for improvements while Pakenham Upper Toomuc Cricket Club was given $8000 to upgrade kitchen facilities and install a meeting room and disabled toilet. This year 69 groups shared in grants of up to $30,000 to fund major construction works of community facilities. Mayor Garry Runge said the standard of applications was again exceptional and reflected the professionalism and dedication of Cardinia’s volunteer committees. “Council provides support and money, but we appreciate it is our volunteers who put hours of effort and coordination into operating many community facilities,” he said.