Food Source Victoria Fund

Keep an eye out for the new Food Source Victoria Fund, opening in July.

The new $20 million Food Source Victoria initiative seeks to encourage collaboration and partnership across the agri-food industry, with the aim of increasing exports, building capability and creating jobs in regional Victoria.

Food Source Victoria will comprise two funding programs:

• The FSV Fund: a contestable funding program to assist regional Victorian agri-food alliances and value chain partnerships to identify and implement business development, training, supply chain and market development initiatives to increase exports and help create jobs.

• The FSV Scholarships Program: a study and training grants program to support ambitious professionals in regional agri-food businesses, with a focus on business management, export readiness and entrepreneurship. At least $1 million of this $2 million program will be dedicated to supporting scholarships for women.

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Federal Government invests further $40 million to address gaps in frontline community services

Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison yesterday announced that the Federal Government will invest an extra $40 million into more than 100 frontline community services across Australia following a comprehensive gap analysis of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) grants scheme.

“Organisations identified and selected as part of this process will be offered contracts and funding for two additional years, from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017. This gives certainty to the Australians who rely on these services and to the volunteers, staff, and management who provide them.

“The organisations receiving these funds play important roles in our local communities – from providing rehabilitation services to those affected by drugs and alcohol, playgroups for children with special needs, to providing support to adult survivors of child sexual abuse.” Minister Morrison said.

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Australia Council for the Arts June Funding Round Cancelled

The Australia Council for the Arts has cancelled its June funding round following Federal Government budget announcements. At this stage September/December rounds may go ahead, however these programs will need to be watched closely throughout the year.

The six-year funding for organisations program is suspended.

The ArtStart, Creative Communities Partnerships Initiative and Artists in Residence programs will not be offered in the future.

This is a real shame for the arts sector - especially for those groups and individuals who were in the middle of preparing applications. It is also a reminder of the potential volatile nature of funding programs and the significant impact government budget announcements can have. The Australia Council had only just revised their funding programs and launched this new funding at the beginning of the year…how quickly things can change!

You can read more information at: http://www.australiacouncil.gov.au/news/media-centre/media-releases/australia-council-outlines-2015-16-budget-impact/