Grassroots organisations in Werribee are encouraged to apply for new funding from health promotion foundation VicHealth for local projects supporting young people and Victorians hardest hit by coronavirus and the 2020 bushfires.

Applications for VicHealth’s Reimagining Health grants open today, with funding of $3K, $10K or $50K available for local organisations with ideas for supporting their community to access healthy affordable food, be more active and build meaningful social connections.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas encourages local organisations like cultural community groups, youth programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives and sporting clubs to apply for funding to improve health and wellbeing in Werribee.

“We have a fantastic breadth of hardworking organisations across Wyndham that could use this funding to bring their ideas to life and make an even bigger impact on the health of our community,” Tim Pallas said.

“Last year, both the bushfires and coronavirus pandemic made it an incredibly challenging year for people in Wyndham and we want to support local grassroots organisations to help make our strong community even more resilient.”

VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said Victorian communities are still grappling with the consequences of the Victorian bushfires and the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Although some aspects of our lives are back to normal, there are still many Victorians struggling to put fresh food on the table, to keep physically active and to reconnect to their community,” Dr Demaio said.

“Due to circumstances such as income, cultural background, gender, age or where they live, many people were already facing an uphill battle to achieving good health when the bushfires occurred and the pandemic began.

“Fortunately, there’s a diverse range of incredible local organisations who want to do more to support people in their community to reach their full health potential and we want to partner with them to bring their ideas to life. Together we can continue making a difference to the health and wellbeing of Victorian communities, now and into the future.”

Reimagining Health: a VicHealth Partnership Grant opens on 3 March 2021 with $3 million available in funding. Local organisations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the VicHealth website. For further information or to apply, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants. Applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 23 March 2021.