Community groups across Lake Macquarie have the chance to pick up a grant of up to $3000 for projects that improve the environment or inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour.
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The latest round of Lake Macquarie City Council's Environmental Sustainability Grants Program is now open, with the grants available to non-profit groups, clubs and school P&Cs within the local government area.
Council community partnerships manager Andrew Bryant said previous grants covered a broad range of projects, from the creation of community gardens to the publication of a brochure outlining responsible dog ownership while one recent project involved a local "upcycling" initiative that taught school-children how to turn unwanted clothes into rugs, rather than simply throwing them away.
"Sustainability is not just about vegetable gardens and compost bins," Mr Bryant said.
"There is plenty of scope for non-profit groups to get creative and come up with ways to benefit their local environment, and their community.
"Think broadly about what your group could do to encourage sustainable community behaviour, reduce waste, educate and inspire the community through sustainability activities, reduce our carbon footprint or improve and protect our ecosystem."
An expert panel, including councillors, council officers and representatives from Landcare, the NSW Department of Education, the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance and the Indigenous community will consider grant submissions.
Detailed guidelines, available at lakemac.com.au, provide further information about how to apply and assessment criteria.
A free information session will be held on Wednesday, July 24, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Council's Speers Point Administration Building.
Bookings for the information session are essential and can be made online at Eventbrite.
"It is strongly recommended that potential applicants attend," Mr Bryant said.
If you're thinking about applying for a grant, this is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about what we are looking for and the best way to tell us what you are planning to do."
Applications for the latest round of funding close 5pm on Monday, August 19.
