Community
27 June, 2025
Funds flow to three businesses
COUNCIL approved three Business Assistant Scheme (BAS) applications totalling $7000 at last week’s Ordinary Meeting, supporting growth and prosperity across the shire.
The BAS provides business, building owners and community the opportunity to apply for support, including financial assistance.
Applications are assessed on merit, considering the eligibility criteria and available funds.
The scheme is ongoing across the year, enabling businesses to submit when suitable for their proposed project and provides four streams.
The four streams by which businesses can apply for funding are business façade improvement, creative industries and placemaking, community enterprise and enabling infrastructure.
This month, there was one application under business façade improvement from the Camperdown Authorised Newsagency.
The project they sought funding for involves cleaning, repairing and repainting the façade to enhance the shopfront’s appearance, for a total of $3000.
There were two applications under creative industries and placemaking, coming from Serenata Studios and Sow and Piglets.
Serenata Studios sought $2000 in funding to support their Christmas in July performances at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown.
Sow and Piglets sought $2000 to support the development of cultural gatherings inspired by Braai traditions, featuring food and local artists.
Council’s 2024-25 adopted budget includes an allocation of $90,000 for the BAS, with a remaining budget of $62,797.
The motion to approve the funding requests was passed unanimously, with councillor Laurie Hickey moving the recommendation.
“For the Camperdown Authorised Newsagency, a bit of a tidy-up coming into winter will be great,” he said.
“I have to say, the Serenata Studios and Sow and Piglets – the entertainment they’re providing is very well regarded.
“We are entering a period of the winter blues.
“It’s particularly important this year given that we’ve been in drought for 18 months and we know the additional imposition that has on agricultural businesses right across the shire and the flow on effect for that is to the retailers making business decisions around their businesses.
“Particularly Serenata Studios, but also Sow and Piglets, are providing a wonderful opportunity to be able to get together and have some community participation at a reasonably low cost.”
Councillor Ruth Gstrein seconded the motion and said the funding of these projects was an “opportunity for people to get out and spend time together”.
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