The grants are delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the program, which has seen more than 500 projects supported and $2 million invested into Victorian dairy communities.
Kyfit is the major benefactor of the grant and the teen gym-based program will continue to mentors young adults.
Kyabram Blue Light organiser Senior Constable Mitchell Bull and the teenagers have worked tirelessly turn an old storeroom into a training facility.
“It’s a community effort and we all chip in,” Sen Const Bull said.
“For six or seven weekends in a row we had up to 10 kids at the gym helping out.
“We removed six trailer loads of rubbish from the storeroom.”
The Gardiner grant helped fit out the gym with two bench presses, a rowing machine, two resistance bikes, two treadmills, two decline sit-up benches, sets of dumbbells ranging from 3kg to 10kg and 13 spin bikes.
The grant also went towards tiles for the floor, power points and fans.
The gym will be used a lot during the upcoming holidays, as some of the kids might want something to do during the break.
The program helps build positive relationships between police and younger people.
“The kids get the benefits of getting to know local police and other volunteers and mentors,” Sen Const Bull said.
“It’s about building a relationship between police officers and young people and showing we’re approachable if there is a problem in the community that needs to be discussed.”
The Gardiner Dairy Foundation Community Grants Program is in its 20th year and delivers grants up to $5000 to help non-for profit organisations in small dairy communities across Victoria.
To apply for the program, head to https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/gardiner-communities-grants/
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