COMMUNITY groups, artists, volunteers and event organisers across the MidCoast will benefit from more than $140,000 in funding announced by MidCoast Council.
The funding will support a wide range of projects designed to strengthen communities, encourage cultural participation and deliver events throughout the region.
Council’s Manager Libraries, Community and Cultural Services, Alex Mills, said the grants would help local organisations turn ideas into reality.
“These grants help bring great ideas to life and support the people who work hard to strengthen our communities,” Mr Mills said.
Council awarded a total of $76,084 through its Community and Cultural Development Grant Program 2026, supporting 29 organisations including Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club, Great Lakes Band and Manning Homeless Action Group.
The program provides one-off funding for community and cultural projects, events, activities and equipment purchases that build local capacity and support community organisations.
A further $36,500 was distributed through Round One of Council’s Event Sponsorship Program.
Twelve events received support, including the Stroud International Brick and Rolling Pin Throwing Festival, Subsonic and Wingham Beef Week.
The sponsorship aims to help events attract visitors, showcase the MidCoast region and bring local communities together.
Council also allocated $15,000 through the MidCoast Arts Support Program to four organisations, including Stroud Crowd Choir and Gloucester Arts and Cultural Council.
The funding will assist arts and cultural projects that align with the priorities outlined in Council’s Cultural Plan.
In addition, two community groups received a combined $8,000 to support local NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Recipients included the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Aboriginal Reference Group and Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council, with funding helping deliver events that celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage while encouraging community participation.
Council advised that funding announcements for the Local Heritage Fund and the NAIDOC Indigenous Art Scholarship will be made in the coming months.
More information about available grants and funding opportunities can be found through MidCoast Council.
By Sis HIGGINS
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