18 organisations will share in more than $57,000 through Byron Shire Council's Community Initiatives Program for 2026/27, supporting an exciting and diverse range of local projects.
"This year we are proud to be funding everything from a skateboarding mentorship program and Byron Youth Theatre project to inspiring Landcare and environmental projects, to a new 'Spinderella' sewing program, a Bush Dance for Wilsons Creek and much more," Byron Shire Council Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye said.
"At the centre of each of the 18 successful projects is the desire to enrich the lives of community members and to help foster participation, better access, inclusion, and social connection."
"The projects highlight the commitment, energy and generosity of local organisations and their volunteers whose work helps to enhance wellbeing and create positive outcomes across the Shire," the Mayor said.
"Small grants can go a long way in making a difference and Council is proud to invest in innovative and grass-roots projects that community members want to leave the house for and want to get involved in," she said.
The projects, to be delivered through Byron Shire Council's Community Initiatives Program by June 2027 include:
- Sprung Ensemble Training, Sprung - $3,073 - weekly ensemble training for a disability-led program supporting Deaf and disabled artists.
- Camphor to Rainforest Conversion Stage 3, Federal Landcare Group Inc - $4,500 - conversion of a Crown land site to rainforest.
- Roots of Resilience, The Elder Tree - $3,500 - a herbal education program for women, offering practical skills in natural health, self-care, and everyday resilience.
- Are You For Real? - $3,500 - Byron Youth Theatre Company will devise an original production inspired by Romeo and Juliet, exploring adolescence, stereotypes, and healthy relationships.
- Christmas Under the Stars 2026 - $3,500 - contribution towards installation of icicle lighting, at the Railway Cottage and Railway Park.
- Grounded Together, Regional Vitality Network - $3,800 - a community education gathering for farmers, young farmers, growers, food makers, and land stewards.
- Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club - $4,500 - replacement of two ageing defibrillators.
- Storytime, Bangalow Byron Uniting Church - $2,605 - a structured play space for families with children, to share in songs, and stories.
- Tree Farmer - Subtropical Farm Forestry Association - $3,000 - A regional forum held to connect Byron Shire and North Coast farmers, landholders, local enterprise, and investors around the localisation of Nature Repair markets.
- Resilient Roots, SEED Northern Rivers - $3,000 - to establish a regional mother-stock garden to conserve, propagate and distribute climate-resilient food plants.
- Our Timeless Threads - $2,000 - sustainable art workshop(s), bringing all ages together to create art from donated textiles.
- HIYA 2479, Bangalow Lions Club - $1,000 - purchasing of food vouchers and pantry food for people sleeping rough around Bangalow.
- Spinning Together Spinderellas - $2,900 - creative workshops to prepare and present free performances at Byron Shire community events.
- Wilsons Creek Valley Bush Dance - Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook and Wanganui Community Association - $3,600 - A community bush dance.
- Waves Without Limits - Rotary Club of Mullumbimby - $5,000 - a short instructional film demonstrating how people can access and use the accessible beach equipment at Torakina Beach.
- Let Our Voices Be Heard, Realising Every Dream (RED) Ltd - $2,260 - a program that will provide opportunities for participants with disability to express themselves through performance, instruments, and singing.
- Common Ground - Skateboarding Mentorship, Byron Skate School - $3,000 - providing participants with access to mentoring, free skate lessons, and social activities.
- Haus of Armour - $3,250 - a fashion styling studio which uses dress as a therapeutic tool to support women who have experienced trauma and abuse.
