Grants in Action Program - 2025 Grants
In 2025, the Hobsons Bay Community Fund provided grants to the following projects:
Altona All Abilities Inclusion Basketball Program - $4,540
The All Abilities Inclusion Programme is a 45-minute basketball initiative that promotes engagement, social skills, and self-esteem in children and young people with special needs in a positive environment.
Footscape - foot care kits - $2,500
Footscape assembles and distributes Foot Care Kits to support Homeless Persons, First Nations persons, and Asylum Seekers, enhancing foot health and encouraging daily self-care practices within the Hobsons Bay community.Grant to run Basketball sessions for children and youth with additional needs for one term.
The Substation - Caring for Country - First Nations Artistic Associate Program - $5,000
Williamstown Community Education Centre (WCEC) - Willy Walking Group and Community Morning Tea - $2,800
The project aims to create a weekly walking group and morning tea sessions over 12 months to enhance health, wellbeing, and social inclusion for diverse groups in Hobsons Bay, reducing isolation and fostering community connections.
Reading Out of Poverty Inc - Let’s Read for new mums -$2,800
Let’s Read is a new initiative in Hobsons Bay aimed at supporting new mums in Laverton, especially from low socio-economic and CALD backgrounds, by providing literacy kits and resources through local GP clinics to encourage early reading and play.
University of the Third Age (U3A) Hobsons Bay branch - “Not too old” Art Exhibition - $1,400
An Art Exhibition will be held at the new Dennis Reserve Centre in Williamstown in October 2025, coinciding with Victoria’s Seniors Week. It aims to showcase U3A HBW artwork, foster discussion, celebrate positive aging, and empower older artists.
Laverton Community Integrated Services - Respect & Relief: Culturally Inclusive Food and Crisis Go Bags -$7,500
The project aims to provide "Go Bags" with hygiene items and ready-to-eat food for homeless people in Hobsons Bay, and culturally appropriate food support for CALD individuals, ensuring respect for their dignity and dietary needs.
Friends of Williamstown Wetlands - Restoring Nature, Reconnecting Community: Coastal Renewal at Jawbone Reserve -$1,900
This project will revitalise a degraded section of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve, transforming it into a thriving indigenous ecosystem through community-led restoration.
Men’s Shed - Restoration of Clocktower Building and Garden at Newport Railway Workshops - $8,000
Continue with the restoration of the heritage-listed Clocktower and Garden, which the Group commenced in 2022
Hobsons Bay City Band - Purchase of replacement amplifier - $500
Purchase of replacement amplifier to support the band’s auxiliary percussion and keyboard
Williamstown Community and Education Centre - Craft Community and Chat at Spotswood Community House - $2,500
This project aims to engage new residents through informal craft activities, fostering community connections and addressing isolation among vulnerable groups. Led by an experienced craft teacher, sessions will include guest experts, promoting well-being, skill development, and friendships in a supportive environment.
Willinwimmin Community Acapella Choir - Come & Sing - $1,000
A free come-a-long & try event in Feb 2026. This event will increase general awareness of the willinwimmin a cappella Choir as a local opportunity for Women to participate in community singing and experience the joy of singing in a relaxed group atmosphere. This grant will also contribute to some professional development activities for the group.
Louis Joel Arts & Community - Repair Cafe - $4,300
The Altona Repair Café, scheduled from will offer a free repair service for household items in Hobsons Bay. A team of skilled volunteers will manage repairs, with a facilitator overseeing logistics, volunteer recruitment, and ensuring a safe environment for participants to learn and share skills.
Headspace Werribee (Orygen) - Body Project - $5,000
The Body Project Australia, developed with the Body Project Collaborative, aims to improve body image through cognitive dissonance exercises. Facilitated by trained staff, it will be conducted over four weeks in selected Hobsons Bay schools.
Laverton Youth Foundation - Holistic Health and Wellbeing Project - $5,000
This grant will contribute to a weekly Holistic Wellness program will be delivered for young people at Laverton College and group sessions, focusing on health topics, physical activities, and meditation. The project will support individuals from diverse backgrounds and offer additional school holiday activities throughout the year.
New Message Tree Alliance - Turrun Whispers - $9,570
The community grant application seeks funding to produce and print "Turrun Whispers," a children’s book about The Message Tree in Williamstown. The book will be provided to schools in Hobsons Bay and it aims to educate Year 2 students about local Aboriginal culture and history, supported by a learning kit and professional training.