Thu, 12 Aug 2004

Diverse range of groups receive community grants

North Shore City Council has distributed more than $1.4m in grants to a diverse range of arts, leisure, cultural, youth and community organisations in the city.

Altogether 72 organisations benefited from the grants, which are designed to strengthen the social and cultural fabric of the city.

The council's community services and parks committee chairperson Margaret Miles says the grants allowed council to strengthen communities by supporting organisations that provided a broad range of services across all sectors of society.

"These grants are one of the key ways our council contributes to the social and cultural well-being of the city. We are committed to building and strengthening relationships and partnerships and helping our communities deliver their own outcomes.

"The recipients are organisations with proven track records in their communities, well supported by volunteers and we are delighted to support them with their activities," Councillor Miles says.

As well as North Shore-based organisations, several regional organisations which benefit North Shore City residents were also supported, including Auckland Zoo, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and Surf Lifesaving Northern Region.

Among the local organisations were Prescott North Shore, which supports the elderly; the Kaipatiki Ecological Restoration Project; North Shore Brass; North Shore Community and Social Services; Disability Information North Shore and a range of sports and arts organisations.

The chairperson of the grants assessment subcommittee, and deputy mayor, Dianne Hale says that this year the focus of the grants was on helping community organisations broaden their roles and responsibilities.

"Funding was allocated to the Birkenhead Community Facilities Trust for a multiethnic community worker. This position was established last year and has proven very valuable in meeting local community needs, and we wish to see it continue," she says.

The East Coast Bays Community Project also received extra funding in recognition of its expanded role managing the Torbay community hall for a variety of community groups, while the Depot Artspace has received funding for managing the historic Wikitoria building in Devonport.

ENDS

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