Campaspe Shire Council is celebrating another round of local community groups receiving support through the 2026 Community Grants Program, with funding awarded in Round 2 across the Inclusive Communities, Community Events and Tourism, Junior Development and Community Equipment grant streams.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said the grants were a practical way to help local groups get good ideas off the ground.
"Local clubs, committees and community groups are often the ones turning small ideas into real outcomes for their towns," Cr Mackrell said.
"This funding helps them take the next step, whether that means putting on an event, buying equipment, supporting young people or creating more opportunities for residents to get involved."
The recipients for the 2026 Round Two Community Grants Program were as follows:
Inclusive Communities Grants:
- Kyabram Netball Association to deliver umpire training to junior netballers.
- Rochester Lions Club to purchase visitor chairs for the Rochester Sports Museum.
- Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network to train volunteer mentors in the TAC L2P Learner Driver Program.
Community Events and Tourism Grants:
- Committee for Echuca Moama for a Next Gen Connect Masquerade Prom.
- Rochester Basketball Association to run the Rochester Youth Basketball Holiday Program.
- R and K Rock'n'Roll for a Rock and Roll Dance in Rochester.
- Tongala Senior Citizens Club for the Tongala Senior Citizens birthday celebration.
Community Equipment Grants:
- Girgarre Community Group for kitchen equipment to help provide community meals.
- Rochester Golf Club to upgrade Club House kitchen facilities.
- Epicentre Church for toy equipment for the Mainly Music Program play section.
Junior Development Grants:
- Peyton Olsson to umpire at the School Sports Australia Netball Nationals.
The mayor encouraged community groups to explore the opportunities and make the most of the Community Grants Program when it opens again in early August.
"If you aren't sure which grant your community group's event or initiative may be eligible for, or you need a hand with your application, our Community Grants Team are more than happy to help," Cr Mackrell said.
"For the best chance of a successful application, make sure you read and understand all the information on the grants webpage, including the dates for all four rounds of the Community Grants program, before you begin your application.
"If community organisations are considering applying for event grants in particular, I strongly recommend gathering all event details and application documents several months in advance to allow sufficient time for assessment and approval before your event is due to happen," Cr Mackrell added.
The third 2026 round of the Community Grants Program opens for applications across all four streams from August 1 to August 22 on the SmartyGrants platform.
Head to www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Grants
