Federation Council is proud to announce the successful recipients of the 2025/2026 Community Grants Program, following the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 21 April 2026. A total of $43,000 has been allocated to support 19 diverse local projects that enhance social cohesion, celebrate community spirit, and improve local infrastructure.
The program, which attracted 27 applications this year, provides one-off funding of up to $5,000 per project. This year's budget included a standard $40,000 allocation supplemented by $3,000 from a previously unexpended project.
The 19 endorsed projects span a wide range of community needs, including:
- Unmarked Graves Plaque Project: A $675 contribution to the Howlong Historical Society.
- Emergency Equipment Purchase: $4,300 for the Corowa Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW to replace batteries and chainsaws.
- Pickleball For All: Community Court Project: $1,500 for the Corowa Lawn Tennis Club.
- Fabricating French Flowers Event: $1,000 for the Urana Progress Association (355).
- New Song Books: $600 for Sing Australia Corowa.
- Event Logistics Radios: $4,000 for the Lions Club of Corowa to purchase two-way radios.
- Pioneer Park Refurbishment: $1,975 for the Howlong Progress Association.
- Bangerang Park Fencing: $4,000 for the Rotary Club of Corowa.
- Off-Leash Dog Park Pergola: $3,000 for Corowa Dog Lovers Inc.
- Exercise Chairs for Seniors: $3,000 for the Healthy Living Promoting Independence Program Over 65's Program.
- 2026 Corowa Show Entertainment: $1,000 for the Corowa Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
- Lend Me Your Arm Day Event: $3,000 for the Corowa Branch, CWA at the Corowa saleyards.
- Tom Gleeson "Out of Touch" Event: $2,000 for the Morundah Bush Entertainment Centre.
- Tennis and Pickleball Improvements: $1,500 for the Howlong Tennis Club.
- Rollaway Tennis Net: $4,000 for the Lonsdale Recreation Reserve Committee Sect 355.
- 2026 Urana Vintage Machinery Rally: $2,000 for portaloos and entertainment.
- Onwards and Upwards Project: $700 for the Corowa and District SHE Shed to purchase a belt sander.
- Chronicle: Stories of Corowa: $2,750 for Performance Laboratoire for a performance at Savernake Hall.
- Enhancing Bruce Richardson Park: $2,000 for Corowa District Landcare Inc to purchase plants and garden stakes.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said it is a privilege to support the local organisations that do so much for the Federation Council region.
"This $43,000 allocation helps bridge the gap for essential projects, from upgrading emergency equipment for the VRA Rescue to enhancing our beautiful local parks," Mayor Cook said.
"Whether it is fostering social connection through Pickleball or preserving our history with the Unmarked Graves Project, these 19 initiatives showcase the incredible range of talent and passion within our community. Council is proud to partner with these groups to foster a safer, healthier and more inclusive Federation Council area."
