are-able trust allocations
are-able Trust distributes $54K to improve access and opportunity
A SENSORY playground for kids with autism; furnishing a new supported living facility; a woolly art installation and getting keen basketballers on-court are among 12 new and inspiring projects to benefit from the latest round of funding granted via the biannual are-able Trust allocations.
are-able Chair Mary Graham today announced the allocations of the latest are-able Trust funding round, which sees just over $54,000 being granted to 12 different projects, all which have stemmed from a need and desire to improve access and opportunity to people living with disadvantage, a disability, or limited access to employment and social opportunities.
The second of two rounds of are-able Trust funding for the 2016/2017 financial year saw a record 28 applications from across Victoria’s west and central north, which Ms Graham said were wide and varied in detail, but consistent in merit and strong community interest.
“The process of reviewing and accessing applications demonstrates just how innovative and passionate our communities are about finding ways to increase inclusion and skill development for those who can find themselves isolated or disadvantage, be that due to where they live, their education, or physical or mental disability,” she said.
“Every applicant demonstrated great merit and fascinating creativity and resourcefulness. Harrowing decisions had to made in finalising the grants – it’s a good problem to have that there are such a large number of excellent projects being initiated to strengthen communities and opportunities for people living with a disadvantage.”
Ms Graham made particular mention of the high number of applications received from the Sunraysia/Mallee region, with more than half the successful applicants – and over $30,000 in allocations – based in the Mildura/Swan Hill area.
“The people of this region have demonstrated they are very passionate, proactive and resourceful in how they are finding ways in which to include members of the community that would otherwise be marginalised or disadvantaged.”
Successful applications in the 2016/2017 Round 2 allocations include:
Funding for two L2P Driver Mentor programs, in Swan Hill and Hamilton
Meeting material costs to install a shade sail at one of two Mildura Zoe Support Australia centres
Helping send a Mildura-based basketball team to attend an all-abilities tournament in September 2017
Support to promote and distribute a Bendigo-based fledgling magazine for people with limited mobility
Installation of a sensory playground at a Wentworth, New South Wales pre-school
Funding the materials to create and install wool-crafted public art installations in Hamilton, to raise awareness of a local residential support service and take part in a well-established community festival
Ms Graham explained the are-able Trust was established in 2004, and had since allocated over $845,000 to a wide range of projects across regional Victoria, with $100,000 set aside each year to distribute over two rounds.
The Trust is currently funded solely vian are-able’s profits, generated by its operation as an employment and disability service provider.
“We see this as a way to further our organisation’s core values of achievement, innovation, participation, fulfilment of potential and contributing to our community, and a tangible and beneficial way to continue how we work with local communities” Ms Graham said.
Further information about the are-able Trust, including how organisations or individuals can contribute, can be found at www.are-able.org.au or by contacting are-able on 1800 566 066.