Round Two Community Partnership Grants Set to Open Early 2026

Published on 08 December 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council is pleased to announce Round Two of the 2025/26 Community Partnership Grants Program will open on Monday 12 January 2026.

Council’s Community Partnership Grants play a vital role in strengthening and supporting the region by providing not-for-profit community groups with the funding needed to grow new initiatives, deliver meaningful projects, and host events that benefit the Southern Grampians community.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said through this program, Council is committed to championing local ideas that enhance liveability and contribute to a connected, vibrant and unique region.

“Council is committed to ensuring this program continues to elevate and empower community-led ideas,” said Cr Heslin. “These grants are about backing our community. We want to support the people and groups who are working hard to improve and promote our region.”

Council endorsed more than $149,000 in funding, supporting 41 local projects, events and initiatives through Round One of the 2025/26 program. This included five larger projects each receiving grants above $3,000 (totalling $59,972), and 36 smaller projects each supported with grants up to $3,000 (totalling $89,672).

Among successful applicants were the Hamilton 8 Ball Club who received $3,000 to re-cover eight of their tables with new felt coverings and the Balmoral Bowling Club who received $924 for the purchase of a portable audio sound system. The Cavendish Redgum Festival received $15,000 for its 2026 event with $15,000 also being allocated to the Grangeburn Bowling Club to enhance lighting over its bowling green.

To ensure all groups have the support they need to prepare a strong application, Council’s Community Development and Grants staff will once again host drop-in information sessions at the Greater Hamilton Library.

The team will also take the information sessions on the road, visiting outer townships through Council’s towns roadshow to provide equal access to guidance and support across the Shire.

Council staff will be available to answer questions, simplify the application process and offer practical advice to help applicants give their project the best chance of success.

“With funding of up to $15,000 available per applicant each financial year, Council encourages all eligible community groups to begin considering how the grants program could support their upcoming projects, events or initiatives,” concluded Cr Heslin.

Applications for Round Two will open at 9:00am on Monday 12 January 2026 and close at 4:00pm on Monday 16 February 2026.

Community groups are encouraged to keep an eye on Council’s communication channels as the new year approaches for further updates, session dates and application details.

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