Wyndham Council Awards $579K in Grants — 21% Goes to Councillor-Affiliated Groups

Councillor-linked groups granted $121K

Wyndham City Council has awarded $579,060.33 to 17 not-for-profit and community organisations as part of its 2024–25 Large Community Grants Program — but nearly 21% of the total funding has gone to groups where sitting councillors have declared conflicts of interest due to personal involvement.

CUA062_2026-GREAT-SPRING-CLEAN-UP_DESIGN_500x500

The grants, capped at $40,000 per project, aim to support initiatives that align with the Wyndham 2040 Community Vision and range from cultural celebrations and health initiatives to educational and employment programs.

Three of the funded organisations have direct ties to councillors:

Wyndham Community and Education Centre – received $41,250. Cr Jenny Barrera, who is also the organisation’s CEO, declared a general conflict of interest and recused herself from the process.
Christmas by the Lakes – awarded $40,000. Cr Susan McIntyre, a long-time volunteer on its board, also declared a conflict.
Point Cook Cultural Community Incorporated – received $40,000, with Cr Jasmine Hill, the founding secretary, also declaring a conflict.

These three organisations received a combined total of $121,250, equating to 20.9% of the total grant funding — a notable figure in a competitive funding round that saw 41 applications and only 17 approvals.

While the councillors followed due process by declaring conflicts, the proportion of grant money allocated to organisations with councillor links may prompt community questions about equity and public perception — especially when 12 applications were ruled ineligible and a further 10 were not recommended despite eligibility.

Mayor Cr Mia Shaw said the funded projects will deliver wide-reaching benefits:

“These grants allow not-for-profit organisations and community-based groups to deliver projects and events that align with the Wyndham 2040 Community Vision,” she said.

“We’re supporting initiatives that provide education and employment pathways, promote health and wellbeing, celebrate cultural diversity, and increase community participation.”

Notable funded projects include:

SisterWorks Incorporated – supporting migrant and refugee women through the Empower Her Enterpriseinitiative.
St John Ambulance Victoria – received $44,000 for a defibrillator rollout.
Wyndham Park Community Centre, Blue Light Victoria, and Life Saving Victoria were also among major recipients.

Interestingly, Western United SC Inc — a sporting club that had previously stated it would be self-funded — was also awarded $39,600 in this round.

The Council noted that this year’s funding is expected to generate an estimated $1.8 million in community value, involve 951 volunteers, and benefit 64,795 participants across the municipality.

An external review of the grant assessment process found it to be fair, ethical, and compliant with council policies.