Eleven community organisations have been selected as recipients of the latest round of Council’s Community Development and Events grants.

Among the successful recipients was Chinyabuguma SA, a group of Bushi territory natives from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were awarded over $3000 for an upcoming community event in June 2024.

The event strives to unite the Chinyabuguma community in Playford and celebrate Bashi culture, while inspiring the younger generation to preserve their heritage and traditions.

Elizabeth Royal Life Saving Club, one of the only pool-based lifesaving clubs in South Australia, also received $3000 to help upskill their volunteers with further qualifications.

The club has been active in the area since 1963, offering swim school every Sunday at the Elizabeth Aquadome, which caters to 6-month-old infants – right through to adults who may not have previously had the opportunity to learn to swim.

Club President Jessica Morton said every child deserves the right to feel safe in the water, which goes hand in hand with being a confident and experienced swimmer.

“We have to teach our children how to swim, it’s a skill everyone should learn,” said Jessica.

“This [Council] grant will help keep our instructors involved, there’s a lot of costs involved in swim schools that most people don’t realise.”

The Community Development and Events grants program is a way for Council to directly support non-profit and non-government groups, clubs and organisations which deliver new projects and events to the community.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said providing support through grant funding is an important responsibility of Council, as it fuels innovative ideas and empowers local organisations to introduce new events.

“Council hosts events and introduces ways to activate our city, but when a local group or organisation has something special to share, we want to see it succeed,” said Mayor Docherty.

“Funding helps these organisations succeed and continue doing what they do best, whether it’s helping others, caring for our environment or aiming to connect our people.”

With two rounds of grants offered per year, the next round of the Community Development and Events Grants will open on Monday 15 July 2024.

If a group, club or community organisation has an idea for a project or event, they are encouraged to submit an application. Council’s Grants & Administration Officer, is also available to speak about submissions and provide support. Please contact Karen Leithboro on 8256 0230 or email grants@playford.sa.gov.au

To stay in the loop on funding and grant program opportunities, subscribe to Playford’s Grants and Funding mailing list via Council’s website – playford.sa.gov.au/grants

Successful recipients – Round Two, City of Playford Community Development and Events Grants

Australian Irish Dancing Association - $3,338
The Regional Oireachtas is the annual competitive Irish Dancing competition, which will be held over three days at Shedley Theatre in August. Funding will assist with venue hire and other event costs.

The Bantu Ethnic Community of SA Inc - $3,338
Funding will go towards costs for the Bantu community’s event, involving singing, dancing and socialising. The Bantu people are an indigenous group of people in Africa. Today, about 24 countries spread over Central Africa and Southern Africa speak the language of Bantu.

Bhutanese Australian Association of SA Inc - $3,338
Funding will assist with the costs of hall hire and promotional materials for the 16th Celebration of Bhutanese Settlement in Australia on 18 May 2024.

Chinyabuguma SA - $3,338
Natives of the Bushi territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo will use the funding for a community event on 2 June 2024 at Uley Road Hall, Elizabeth Downs.

De Collective - $3,338
De Collective plans to deliver African musical workshops to 60 students at John Hartley School utilising African drummer Bortier Okoe, culminating in an end of program performance.

Elizabeth Royal Life Saving Club Inc - $3,338
Elizabeth Royal Life Saving Club aims to upskill volunteers by offering coaching and swim training qualifications to ensure the delivery of their aquatic safety programs.

Lions Club of Elizabeth Playford Inc - $3,338
Lions Club of Elizabeth Playford will use the funding to personalise their BBQ trailer with branding and purchase a defibrillator for members and the community as required.

Midway Road Community House - $2,710
Midway Road Community House plans to undertake a mural on the front wall of their building to provide a visual symbol of inclusiveness for the community.

Mosaic Girls - $2,670
Mosaic Girls is a local craft group who, with support from the One Tree Hill Progress Association, will erect a mosaic bench outside the One Tree Hill Institute.

Playford Aquatic Club - $2,003
Playford Aquatic Club will host two swimming carnivals in August and September 2024 at the Aquadome.

Punya Foundation Inc - $3,338
Punya Foundation is hosting an annual spiritual event in August 2024 at the Elizabeth South Freemason’s Hall.