How community grants support local arts, like Angas the Goanna

Meet Angas the Goanna, the latest 'Top of the Torrens' gallery member to welcome visitors, thanks to annual community grant funding.

Created by local artist Adrian Beacham, Angas the Goanna has pride of place on the main street of Birdwood and welcomes visitors to the Top of the Torrens art gallery.

The sculpture is a 2.1m long perentie Goanna, the largest goanna native to Australia, and was based on a larger version that Adrian has previously created for a SALA exhibition.

"Angas is made from 135 recycled horseshoes and has generated stop-ins to the gallery from passers-by and interest in the township," says John Ragless, chair of the Top of the Torrens gallery.

"Applying for the community grant and commissioning Angas is all about creating something for the wider community."

The volunteer run gallery has successfully received three community grants that have assisted with improvements to the gallery and Angas' installation was made possible thanks to the latest grant.

"The process of applying for the grants was pretty straight forward, especially if you know what your key outcomes of the project are and you can relate them to the grant requirements." said Mr Ragless.

"We are fortunate to have many passionate community groups and organisations in our Council area and I encourage them to apply. It is always exciting to see the innovative projects and activities they put forward to help bring our community together," said Adelaide Hills Council Deputy Mayor, Nathan Daniell.

"In July I had the pleasure of opening a SALA exhibition at the TOTT where they unveiled Angas the Goanna, a fantastic piece of artwork which enhances the TOTT and main street of Birdwood. Angas was funded by a community grant and demonstrates how our grant schemes can have a significant and positive impact on the local community."

This year's community grant applications are now open with funding from $2500 - $40,000 available.

Community grants provide vital funding to local non-profit community groups, sport clubs, and recreational facility and help deliver local initiatives that make a positive contribution to our community. It's a great opportunity for local groups and clubs to receive support from Council and enrich their communities.

Grants are open until 30 September with more information available at ahc.sa.gov.au/community-grants. Council staff are also available to assist with queries.

If you know a non-profit community group, sporting club or recreational facility that could do with some financial support, please share our information about community grants.

Pictured above: - (left to right) Adrian Beacham - artist, John Ragless - chair Top of the Torrens gallery, Nathan Daniell - Adelaide Hills Council Deputy Mayor