General News
22 May, 2026
$57k awarded to community
More than $57,000 is flowing back into the region following the unveiling of the Community Bank of Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud’s recipients of their recent Autumn Community Grants Program.
The community bank’s executive officer Julie Driscoll said this round was met with a mix of long-standing community groups alongside some newer organisations and fresh project ideas.
“We had groups like Zonta, the St Arnaud Lions Club and Avoca Friends of the Pool returning with projects that continue to make a real difference locally, which shows the ongoing value and impact of those initiatives,” she said.
“At the same time, it was exciting to support some different ideas and see groups continuing to evolve and respond to the needs of their communities. Across the board, there was a really strong focus on connection, participation and creating opportunities for people to come together.”
Some of this year’s recipients also included Amphitheatre CFA Fire Brigade, Goldfields Community Connect, Maryborough Community Garden Inc, Avoca Community Arts and Gardens Inc (with Avoca and District Historical Society), Goldfields Sustainability Group and Casablanca Movie Club.
While the financial support for hardworking community organisa-tions is fundamental, Ms Driscoll said there is also an immediate sense of excitement when groups find out they’ve been successful.
“For many volunteer-run or-ganisations, grant funding can be the difference between a project staying an idea or actually becoming reality,” she said.
“You can often hear the relief in people’s voices, especially knowing the support will help take some pressure off volunteers and allow them to focus on delivering something positive for their community.
“It’s also wonderful seeing the enthusiasm groups have when they can continue programs people already love or introduce something new for locals to enjoy.”
One of the proud recipients, Goldfields Sustainability Group, will now have a community access thermal imaging camera to help households improve their energy efficiency.
The group’s Martin Mackay said the gadget is a useful device that will be part of their broader projects in measuring energy usage indoors.
“This will mean we can serve the Maryborough community in another way, this will help people determine how well insulated their house is, and give them peace of mind and greater environmental security,” he said.
“It is surprising what heat loss can occur just from a small opening in the home ... people should be aware of their energy usage.”
To support their long awaited relocation to a new permanent home, Maryborough Community Garden Inc’s Margaret Parson said the funding will continue the group’s shared love of horticulture and connection.
“That’s what has kept us going, while we have been waiting, it’s us getting together at least once a week to work in the garden,” she said.
“It’s much more fun growing vegetables together than growing at home.”
Almost three years on from their relocation in 2023, the full funding will be secured when the group move to their Burns Street site.
When that happens, Ms Parsons said the group hope to secure a shade house, essential for propagating seeds, as well as more soil to fill their garden beds.
“What we receive from the community grants, will help us to continue that, and expand bigger. We have garden beds we have built but haven’t set up yet,” she said.
“One of out members has a shed in the industrial site in Maryborough, so we set up there, which is very generous of him, but the garden beds kept increasing. Last year, we produced about 400 kilograms of vegetables.
“When we get to the site, we will be able to invite more people to come and help and enjoy learning how to grow vegetables.”
Goldfields Community Connect’s president Ebony Miller said her group will now be able to purchase a new trailer to safely transport and store equipment for community events.
“The new trailer will help us bring people together by making it easier for us to transport our barbecue, tables, chairs and event equipment to community events across the region,” she said
“The direct impact is more opportunities for connection, inclusion and support within our towns. Whether it’s a family event, fundraiser, community gathering, or local initiative, this trailer will help us continue to create welcoming spaces where people can come together, build friendships, and strengthen community spirit throughout the Goldfields.”
Since 2009, the community bank has returned more than $2.8 million to region through grants, sponsor-ships and community support.
“It’s incredibly rewarding because these are the people who help keep our communities connected and thriving. They’re the groups organising events, supporting families, preserving local history, creating opportunities for children and looking out for others. Being able to support them through the community bank model is something we’re really proud of, because the money generated through local banking is going straight back into the communities it comes from,” Ms Driscoll said.