Victoria’s largest gold miner, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, has marked the 16th year of its Fosterville Community Grants Program, awarding a total of 238 local community groups more than $418,600 since 2005.
The aim of the Program is to support projects that provide specific sustainable outcomes which have long-lasting benefits to the wider community.
General Manager Lance Faulkner said the Program has a long history of supporting community groups to deliver projects and events which benefit the communities in which they operate.
“This year’s grants were awarded to a diverse range of groups and projects but were all underpinned by the tireless work carried out by volunteers who enable these projects to become reality.
“We are humbled by their work in the community, and it is a privilege to be able to support the great work that is being done in this way,” said Mr Faulkner.
2021 grant recipient Bendigo Community Toy Library President Esther Kerr said how grateful she was to receive funding from the Program, which enabled them to purchase a range of Indigenous toys for the library.
“This funding will be key to ensuring we continue providing the community with culturally inclusive toys that give voice to Indigenous perspectives.
“The grant was presented to me in a ceremony at Fosterville Gold Mine on Monday 15 November. I was honoured to be invited to receive this award at a presentation and morning tea alongside a range of other recipients and appreciate the Fosterville Gold Mine’s generosity in helping us provide this thoughtful range of toys for all to enjoy,” said Ms Kerr.
Other 2021 recipients included:
Bendigo Mountain Bike Club – installation of Muldoon Reserve Seating
Sunshine Bendigo – Establishment of Cleaning Bay
Rochester and District Horse and Pony Club – Establishment of a Safe Soft Fall Sand Area
Quarry Hill Junior Football Club - Football Shed Reorganisation and new equipment
Elmore Bowling Club – Bowling Green Upgrade
Lockington District Basketball Association Incorporated – Sizzle and Serve new BBQ
Kamarooka Recreation Reserve – Kamarooka Historical Project monument and plaque
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible applicants to support a wide range of community groups or activities that benefit the communities surrounding the mine at Fosterville.
Applications for the 2022 Fosterville Gold Mine Community Grants are now open until Monday 28 March 2022. Visit the website to apply.