Melbourne Airport helps community programs take flight.

Melbourne Airport is pleased to announce the winners of its 2023 Melbourne Airport Community Fund providing financial support to people living in the city’s north and west.

The airport is giving $10,000 to 10 separate Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres with funds directly assisting children, teenagers, and adults in their studies, training, and career endeavours.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the investment recognises the importance of Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres and the impact they can have on local communities.

“Our funding fosters learning in the community helping people of all ages to build their skills while promoting social connectivity through group lessons and activities,” she said.

“We hope to remove any barriers that may impact a person’s ability to study and work, which is why we meticulously selected community initiatives that encourage tuition, connections and practical skill-based training that can lead to employment opportunities.

“The municipalities surrounding the airport are culturally diverse and our goal is to support people living within a 15km radius of the airport so they can thrive, gain confidence and bring about positive change.”

Grant recipient James Dredge, manager of the St Albans Community Youth Club said, “This grant will enable us to employ youth workers to facilitate our after-school youth drop in program and this will make a big difference to the young people of St Albans.”

The grant funds have been awarded to the below recipients:

  • Banksia Gardens Community Services
    Project name: Kenley Court Neighbourhood House (KCNH) Study Group Program
  • St Albans Community Youth Club
    Project name:
    Leveling up – The Tin Shed Youth Crew
  • Preston Neighbourhood House Inc (Bridge Darebin)
    Project name:
    Bridge Darebin Preston – Bridging the cultural gap
  • Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre
    Project name:
    Westside Coffee Training Program
  • Brunswick Neighbourhood House (BNH) Co-operative Limited
    Project name:
    Ready Set Bake – Fawkner Neighbourhood House
  • Farnham Street Neighbourhood Learning Centre
    Project name:
    Dynamic Disabilities Project
  • Kensington Neighbourhood House Inc
    Project name:
    Strong Foundations
  • Preston Neighbourhood House Inc (Bridge Darebin)
    Project name:
    Bridge Darebin Thornbury – Pathways for Women
  • Lalor Neighbourhood House
    Project name:
    Creating Opportunities through Creative Industry
  • Dallas Neighbourhood House
    Project name:
    Out and About