Who is eligible to apply?

See the Small Business page or Not-For-Proft page for eligibility criteria.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Applicants that have an outstanding debt with Latrobe City Council or that have failed to comply with the terms and conditions of any previous Latrobe City funding agreement.

• Franchisees, subsidiaries of larger companies, unincorporated associations.
• Government departments or agencies, foundations or grant making bodies.
• A university, technical college, or school
• Political organisations or organisations that have a political purpose.
• Current Latrobe City employees, immediate families, and contractors.
• Entities that denigrate, exclude, or offend parts of the community.
• Any business not directly involved in the tourism or related sector.

Describing beneficial outcomes

Applicants are required to explain how their project outcomes will improve the accessibility and inclusion of their experience in their funding application.

What will be funded?

Eligible activities include but are not limited to:

• Upgrade of facilities including fit out, alterations and/or extensions to existing premises to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (1992)
• This can include entry ramps, steps, handrails, accessible toilets, widening of doorways, etc.
• Training and staff capacity-building directly related to inclusion and accessibility delivered by accredited/qualified businesses.
• Upgrade or installation of interior accessibility enhancements such as acoustic panelling, accessible way-finding and interpretive signage, physical barrier removal or improvements to emergency access/egress for visitors with accessibility needs.
• Upgrade or installation of open space furniture including shade/shelters, BBQs, toilet facilities, drinking fountains, permanently installed play equipment, interpretive or wayfinding signage.
• Installation of accessible emergency procedures and evacuation assistive equipment (eg. A wheelchair stair-climber, evacuation sling, Braille/tactile evacuation maps).
• ICT hardware and associated operating software such as virtual reality equipment, electronic information boards, initial software licenses, purchase, customisation and installation of customer relationship management (CRM), database, booking and scheduling software, adaptive or assistive technology to maximise the visitor experience.
• Modifications and refurbishments to leased buildings or grounds, providing approval has been given by the owner.
• Provision of accessible car spaces and/or footpaths to provide accessible paths of travel into the venue. (This may include grading, painting, installation of bollards etc).
• Acquiring accessible vehicles (or modification of existing vehicles) for community transport/services.
• Development of resources and initiatives such as visual stories, sensory maps, visual communication supports, inclusive initiatives (i.e. Quiet Hours, Relaxed Performances).

We may also approve other activities, provided they directly relate to the grant objectives.

What will not be funded?

• General maintenance expenses. This includes the ongoing care of an existing asset e.g. painting, new roof, fence repairs etc.
• Sponsorship signage and sponsorship agreements.
• Requests for the purpose of raising funds for other groups. Including fundraising projects with the primary purpose of fundraising for other organisations or individuals.
• Funding for trophies, awards, scholarships, subscriptions, prizes, and honorariums.
• Projects that deliver a religious or political party message where the purpose is to advance the organisation’s religious beliefs, irrespective of what those beliefs or positions might be.
• Projects or events at venues where there are gaming machines; unless there is no appropriate alternative venue, and the applicant has considered the potential impact to participants.
• Retrospective costs. This includes reimbursement of costs already incurred and funding for projects which have already taken place or began prior to the application being approved by Council.
• Payments of debts and loans.
• General operating expenses – Funding will not cover expenses such as wages and salaries.
• The purchase of land.
• Repair of facilities damaged by vandalism, fire, or other natural disasters where the incident should reasonably be expected to be covered by insurance; and
• Any activity that denigrates, excludes, or offends part of the community, is contrary to anti vilification laws, or freedom of speech, or not aligned with council polices, priorities or values.
• Activity that pollutes, air or water, or destroy or waste non-renewable resources.