Campaspe Shire Council is pleased to announce the successful recipients of funding through its Festive Grants Program and Milestone Celebration Grant Program, supporting local community groups to deliver events, activities and projects that bring people together, celebrate local identity and strengthen community connections across the shire.
The funding will support a diverse range of initiatives, from festive events and cultural celebrations to significant milestone commemorations that recognise the unique history, heritage and spirit of Campaspe communities.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell, said the strong response to the programs demonstrated the passion and creativity of local community groups.
"These grants are all about supporting local people to create opportunities for communities to come together, celebrate shared experiences and build connections.
"We were delighted to see such a diverse range of applications that reflect the pride people have in their towns, organisations and local traditions," Cr Mackrell said.
The following organisations were successful recipients of the Festive Grants Program, with a total of $25,239.28 awarded:
- Rochester Senior Citizens for a Christmas party
- Nanneella Community Inc for a Christmas party
- Lions Club of Moama for Carols by Candlelight
- Lockington District Business Centre for the Lockington Community Market & Christmas Carols
- Tongala Development Group for Light Up Tongala
- Corop Community Action Group for a Christmas party
- Rochester Business Network for a Christmas market
- Epicentre Church for a Christmas Eve service
- Bamawm Extension Christmas Tree for its 80-year celebration
- Stanhope District Development Committee for Stanhope Christmas festivities
- Red Knights International Motorcycle Club Australia Chapter 14 for Rushworth and Region Community Christmas
Three organisations were successful recipients of the Milestone Celebration Grant Program, with a total of $25,560 awarded:
- Echuca Moama Broadcasting Services Inc for the 30th anniversary celebration of community radio in Echuca Moama
- Kotta Public Hall Committee of Management Inc for the Kotta Hall centenary
- Kyabram Development Committee for the Kyabram 150 Years Big Birthday Bash
While allocations under the Festive Grants Program have now been finalised for this funding round, Council is encouraging eligible community groups to continue exploring opportunities through the Milestone Celebration Grant Program.
The program has funding remaining and applications will continue to be assessed until the available allocation is exhausted.
The grant program supports significant one-off community celebrations that are open to the public, including anniversaries, commemorations, launches of projects of community significance, celebrations of local culture and history, and recognition of important people, events or landmarks.
Cr Mackrell encouraged community organisations with upcoming milestone events to consider applying.
"Campaspe is home to many organisations, volunteers and community groups with stories worth celebrating," he said.
"If your group is planning a significant anniversary, commemorative project or community celebration, we encourage you to explore the funding available and speak with Council's grants team."
"These grants can help bring ambitious local ideas to life while creating opportunities for communities to gather, reflect and celebrate the people, places and stories that shape our region."
