Community and not-for-profit groups have until this Saturday, 31 October 2026, to apply for Council's Community Grants Round 1. Two grant levels are available. Small Grants of up to $5,000 are co-funded by Senex Energy and do not require a co-contribution, although one is favoured. Major Grants range from $5,001 to $20,000 and require a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent. Groups can discuss their projects with Council's Local Development Officers before applying.
Whittlesea's community grants program has allocated more than $1.8 million to 198 applicants across the 2025-26 financial year. The funds support community-led projects, initiatives and events, along with community groups, businesses, sporting groups, individuals and emergency services. A council summary presented at the 20 October meeting showed 27 applicants approved for over $173,000 in the final quarter, including 11 under the Business to Business Grants Program. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the council was proud to support so many groups. Funded events include Northern Diwali in South Morang on 31 October and the Whittlesea Show on 7 and 8 November.
Young swimmers from across Queensland will compete at the Beef City Swimming Carnival this weekend at the 2nd World War Memorial Pool, Rockhampton. Rockhampton Regional Council is backing the event, hosted by Caribeae Swimming Club, with a $4,500 sponsorship through its Community Assistance Program. Councillor Cherie Rutherford said such carnivals help athletes build confidence, learn from peers and gain pathways to national and international competition, while also boosting local visitor spending. Competitors aged eight and over will race across all strokes and medley events, and the fastest will contest the David Milburn Top Gun event.
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Murweh Shire Council is inviting local organisations to apply under its Community Grants Policy for projects and activities that benefit the shire. Eligible groups include sporting clubs, hobby groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations and religious organisations based in Murweh. The council generally provides in-kind help, such as use of its equipment, facilities or services, with cash grants considered only in exceptional circumstances. Applications open twice a year, ahead of the annual budget and half-yearly budget review. All applications are assessed against the policy criteria, and assistance is not guaranteed.
Not-for-profit groups with projects benefiting Eumundi have until October 30 to apply for a share of $25,000 in funding. The Experience Eumundi Sponsorship Program, backed by the town's markets, opened its fifth round on September 28. Groups based in the 4562 postcode are eligible, as are others whose work directly benefits the area. Past recipients include a youth mentoring program, an equine therapy service and a blanket warmer for Nambour General Hospital. General manager Mark Cameron urged applicants to read the sponsorship framework first, as competition is strong.
The City of Whittlesea allocated more than $1.8 million in community grants to 198 applicants across the 2025-2026 financial year. The figures were presented to council on 20 October 2026. In the final quarter, 27 applicants received a total of $173,396, including 11 under the Business to Business Grants Program. Funding supports events, programs, individual artists and athletes, emergency services, seniors clubs and Neighbourhood Houses. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the program keeps the community connected and active.
Glenelg Shire Council has awarded more than $129,000 to 46 not-for-profit groups and organisations in its latest Community Grants round. Recipients include the Portland Dahlia Society, which received $2,000 for its dahlia and rose show, and the Tyrendarra Pastoral and Agricultural Society, which received $6,000 for its annual show. Projects range from gallery equipment to a generator for a tennis club and new safety lights for a karting club. Mayor Karen Stephens said the round was highly competitive and that the money will flow back into the local economy.
Baw Baw Shire Council has offered $83,869 in Minor Capital Works grants to nine non-profit organisations and associations in the shire. The grants support groups in delivering, repairing or improving community facilities. Projects include a netball grandstand at Ellinbank Recreation Reserve, cladding at Hallora Hall, and a kitchen upgrade at Thorpdale Recreation Reserve. Mayor Kate Wilson said the applications showed strong commitment to local communities. The offers will be formalised once the groups formally accept them.
Scenic Rim Council approved almost $250,000 in grants to community organisations at its September meeting. Recipients include the Beech Mountain Association, Beechmont Tennis Club, Community Cancer Care Canungra and Tamborine Mountain/Canungra Cricket Club. SEQWater plans an off-stream storage facility for Canungra, with construction due to begin in late 2028. Flows in Canungra Creek have dropped below 15 megalitres a day, and residents are urged to reduce water use. Warm, dry conditions have also raised bushfire risk, and a fire permit is required for fires larger than 2 metres in any direction.
Moree Plains Shire Council has awarded $20,000 to Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums to replace ageing drums and upgrade uniforms. Boomi Community Co-Operative will receive the remaining $10,379 for a mural on the Birds of Boomi amenities block. The awards, announced on 13 October 2026, are funded by a donation from Moree Solar Farm. Mayor Susannah Pearse said the fund helps strengthen the community. The pipe band teaches children and adults for free each week and will perform at The Great Sydney Highland Fair and the NSW State Pipe Band Championships.
Three Northern Rivers community groups have shared $30,000 in Australia Post grants to boost mental wellbeing, social connection and disaster resilience. Each receives $10,000. Rainbow Roos AU in Lismore will run play-based sessions for more than 250 children and families. Seed Northern Rivers in Mullumbimby will deliver trauma-informed workshops for disaster recovery. The Wilsons Creek, Huonbrook and Wanganui Community Association will stage four seasonal creative gatherings. The grants are part of a national $700,000-plus program backing 81 initiatives.
