Council Grants Boost 42 Community Projects Across Moyne

Published on 28 October 2026

Moyne Shire Council has approved $192,500 for 42 community projects, supporting local organisations to improve facilities, purchase equipment and deliver initiatives that bring people together.

Approved at Council’s 27 October 2026 meeting, the grants total $192,205.91 and will support projects worth more than $771,000, leveraging a further $578,830 from community organisations, volunteers and other funders.

Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the fund recognised the important role community organisations played in making Moyne Shire a great place to live, work and participate.

“Across Moyne, we are very lucky to have community groups and volunteers who put an enormous amount of time and effort into making things happen for their towns and communities,” Cr Lockett said.

“The Community Assistance Fund helps turn that commitment into real outcomes, whether that's improving facilities, purchasing essential equipment or delivering a program that brings people together.”

Changes to the fund's guidelines, adopted by Council in June, expanded eligibility to include Cemetery Trusts, School Councils, RSLs and volunteer health and emergency service organisations.

Five newly eligible organisations received a combined $12,268 in funding, including Woorndoo Cemetery Trust, Port Fairy RSL, Toolong Fire Brigade, Winslow/Yarpturk Fire Brigade and Mortlake P-12 College.

Their grants recognise the important role these organisations play in maintaining community assets, supporting veterans, strengthening emergency response capabilities and providing opportunities for education and young people.

The grants are also supporting grassroots initiatives and practical improvements to community facilities across the shire.

For example; Panmure Choir received $2,490 to support an initiative that gives children opportunities to develop musical skills and confidence while building friendships and bringing families together through shared activities and performances.

Port Fairy Life Saving Club received $2,952.27, supporting the club’s contribution to local recreation and community participation. Meanwhile, Macarthur Old Racecourse Reserve received $10,000 towards bathroom upgrades to improve accessibility, helping make the facility more inclusive for people of all abilities.

Together, the projects demonstrate how local funding can strengthen community connections while improving the facilities and services residents rely on.

The 2026–2027 Community Assistance Fund attracted 53 applications seeking $309,963.69, exceeding the $192,500 budget by approximately 61 per cent.

Council held information sessions in Koroit, Mortlake and Port Fairy to help community groups understand the revised guidelines and application process.

To support as many organisations as possible, some larger funding requests were reduced following assessment against criteria including community need, project readiness, value for money and community benefit.

Cr Lockett thanked the organisations and volunteers who continue to deliver projects across Moyne.

“Council's funding program is one way we can support local initiative and help community organisations deliver projects that make a real difference,” he said.

With almost the entire available budget allocated, there will be no second funding round in 2026–2027.

For more information about Council's community funding programs, visit the Moyne Shire Council website.