Applications for Whakatāne District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme and Rural Travel Fund are open, giving local groups and individuals the opportunity to bring their creative projects to life and support youth participation in sports across the district.

The Creative Communities Scheme supports local arts initiatives that help grow participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and make the arts more accessible in our communities.

The Rural Travel Fund is aimed at assisting school-aged students living in rural areas with travel costs for regular sporting competitions.

Frank Begley, manager community partnerships, said these funds were a great way for locals to get support for projects that enriched the district.

“Whether you’re planning a mural, running a series of creative workshops or simply need support to get kids to regular sports games, these funding opportunities are designed to back the people making a difference in our communities.”

Applications for both funds close on Wednesday, April 30.

At the same time, the council is calling for expressions of interest for Creative Communities Scheme community representatives – volunteers who help assess applications and decide how funding is distributed.

“We’re especially keen to hear from people with a background in the arts and strong local knowledge,” Mr Begley said.

“We’d also love to see more rangatahi involved in decision-making, so we’re encouraging young people to apply and help shape the creative direction of our district.”

Community representatives play a vital role in the funding process, helping to ensure that decisions reflect local perspectives, needs and aspirations. Youth applicants are especially encouraged to apply, to help bring a diverse range of voices to the table.

Anyone interested in becoming a community representative should email [email protected] by Thursday, April 17. For more information about the role, you can also call 07 306 0500 and speak to the community funding advisor.

For more information about both funding rounds, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the council website.