Providing relief to Victorians affected by the Black Saturday fires

Victoria’s bushfires in February 2009 brought out the spirit of compassion and philanthropy across Melbourne and Australia. The City of Melbourne and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, like many organisations and communities, responded to the devastation. A $1 million package comprising cash, the use of community facilities and in-kind support was announced to help victims and organisations dealing directly with the fires’ aftermath.

Celebrating our community

In early 2009 the City of Melbourne’s process for grants and sponsorships was streamlined to make financial support more accessible and transparent. In 2008–09 we provided more than $15 million for community activities such as local arts and culture, community service, the environment, events, business, tourism and sport initiatives.

The 2009 arts grants, for example, provided $1.3 million to more than 100 projects and generated $3.2 million in arts activities across the city. Around 700 artists were involved in these projects and half of the projects were free to the public. All art forms were represented and around a third of projects had a multicultural perspective. The 2008 Triennial Arts Grants Program prompted 2.1 million visits to the city and supported 4,500 events involving more than 10,000 artists.

The prestigious 2008 Melbourne Awards recognised nine corporations, community organisations and individuals, nominated by the public for their contribution to the city. Renowned yachtsman and America’s Cup skipper, John Bertrand, was awarded Melburnian of the Year for his philanthropic work with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Supporting families, young people and children

In 2008–09 the City of Melbourne invested heavily in services for families and children. February 2009 saw the opening of The Harbour at Docklands, a new $9.5 million childcare and maternal and child health centre. The City of Melbourne was the major financial contributor to this facility providing almost $7 million in funding.

The Harbour provides 150 childcare places and integrated services for families and children. It was established in a partnership between the City of Melbourne, VicUrban, Lend Lease and not-for-profit childhood education specialist Gowrie Victoria. The buildings feature sustainable elements such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy.

Other investments in childcare by the City of Melbourne included a $2 million expansion and refurbishment of the Kensington Childcare Centre and the start of work on $1.7 million in renovations and upgrades to the Fawkner Park Childcare Centre.
Our free parenting information program operated in the municipality’s community centres during May 2009. Planning for future services continued with Melburnians invited to provide feedback on our new policy for young people and our Municipal Early Years Plan 2009–2013.

Seniors contributed ideas about our planning and services through the Melbourne Seniors Network forum and the City of Melbourne supported its senior citizens by offering grants of up to $500 to subsidise community meals, outings and events.