THE Rural City of Wangaratta has allocated $160,000 to support 29 local community groups and not-for-profit organisations through council's annual Community Grants Program.

These funds will enable organisations to host events, provide essential training, and make crucial equipment and infrastructure improvements.

The program aims to help community organisations within the rural city deliver projects that help improve accessibility and equity, provide cultural or arts experiences, increase community resilience, safety, mental health and well-being, or encourage healthy behaviours and environmentally sustainable projects.

“Our community continues to inspire with their creativity and commitment, and this year’s grant recipients are a testament to that,” Mayor Dean Rees said.

Some 12 urban and 17 rural community-based organisations are sharing in the grants.

They will provide support to diverse projects, including a technology upgrade for the Wangaratta Players, and Rotary Club of Milawa Oxley’s Family Fair & Market.

“These projects reflect the heart and spirit of our region, and we are proud to invest in initiatives that will bring lasting benefits and positive change to the people who live here,” Ben Thomas, council's acting director community and infrastructure, said.

The Wangaratta Chronicle will feature stories with recipients over the coming weeks.