The Cedar Woods Community Grants program was established in 2009 to provide much-needed funding to local groups, organisations and small businesses within these communities.
In Victoria this year, eight recipients have been selected, with these grants going towards organisations that further the development and success of the City of Whittlesea, home to Mason Quarter, and the City of Wyndham, home to Williams Landing.
Pictured above: Community Grants Recipient - West Point Soccer Club
One of this year’s recipients is Brick Road Therapy, a counselling service located in Point Cook. The clinic offers a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including play, interpersonal, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR, and LEGO®-based therapy. Through its comprehensive counselling services, Brick Road Therapy aims to help its clients navigate challenges, develop coping skills, and improve their overall mental health and well-being.
Their grant will create a free weekly group therapy program to support women in the community suffering from mental health challenges. It will also provide psycho-education and offer mothers the opportunity to share experiences in a supported environment.
Brick Road founder and registered counsellor, Belinda Webster, expressed her gratitude for the support this grant will give the local community.
“This program will provide facilitated group sessions offering both psychoeducation on mental health topics as well as a safe, judgement-free space for women to share their experiences and connect with one another. We know how important peer support can be on the road to recovery and healing. We're very grateful for the opportunity to expand our services and reach more women who so desperately need this kind of community-based mental health resource.”
In Melbourne’s North, Wollert Primary School is also receiving a grant. Having opened just two years ago, the school will use the grant to support a vegetable garden and edible garden that is part of their student Dig 2 Dine program where students harvest, prepare and cook recipes using the food grown at school.
“As a newly established school we sincerely appreciate this funding support, which will greatly benefit our growing student population. The Dig 2 Dine program not only teaches valuable life skills, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture. We're excited to see our students continue to engage with and expand this program through the resources provided by this grant.” says Wollert Primary School’s principal, Leanne Tingwell.
Cedar Woods’ Victorian State Manager, James Bovell, says that the Community Grants program is central to Cedar Woods’ mission of creating vibrant communities, supporting the diverse set of community groups that are integral to the ongoing success of Cedar Woods’ developments.
"At Cedar Woods, we believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate, and it is a privilege to support them through our Community Grants Program. These local organisations are the backbone of these communities, we are delighted to work with them to further enhance the social and cultural wellbeing of our developments.
“It is an honour and a joy to amplify the valuable work that these organisations do through the Community Grants program and play a small part in their positive influence on their community,” says Mr Bovell.
Since the program’s launch in 2009, more than $500,000 has been donated nationally to community groups and not-for-profits nationwide, aiding local communities to fund programs and initiatives and make critical purchases that they would not otherwise have been able to afford.
The full list of Victorian recipients is below:
Williams Landing (City of Wyndham)
Bruh Tesfa Ethiopian Youth and Parents Social Services Inc.
Brick Road Therapy
Victorian Bangladeshi Community Foundation
West Point Soccer Club
Mason Quarter, Wollert (City of Whittlesea)
Wollert Fire Brigade
Wollert Primary School
Edgars Creek Primary School
Whittlesea Agricultural Society