Campaspe Shire Council has announced the recipients of Round Three of its 2026 Community Grants Program, supporting a diverse range of local projects across the Inclusive Communities, Community Events and Tourism, Community Equipment and Junior Development grant streams.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said the latest grants would help community organisations deliver projects with lasting local benefits.
“Our community groups understand what their towns need, and these grants give them practical support to turn those ideas into action.
“From building skills and improving facilities to creating events and opportunities for people to connect, each successful project will make a positive contribution to community life across Campaspe Shire,” Cr Mackrell said.
The recipients of Round Three of the 2026 Community Grants Program were:
Inclusive Communities Grants:
Funding of $24,189.40 was provided to eight applicants through the Inclusive Communities Grants stream.
- Kyabram & District Bush Verse Group Inc. for The Life & Times of Banjo Paterson performance.
- Rushworth Community House for outdoor furniture to create a social hub.
- Echuca Moama Pickleball Club for an eight-week ‘Paddles across generations’ program.
- Koyuga Inc. for upgraded appliances to expand the Koyuga Kommunity Dinner program.
- Girgarre Community Cottage for the Girgarre Christmas Fete.
- Echuca Neighbourhood House for their Feeding Futures program addressing food insecurity.
- Gunbower and District Development Group for a free community morning tea.
- Echuca Moama Basketball Association for a Basketball festival.
Community Events and Tourism Grants:
Funding of $19,597.77 was provided to eight applicants through the Community Events and Tourism Grants stream.
- Tongala Development Group for Tongala Eats & Beats.
- Rochester Motoring Club for the Rochester Show ‘N’ Shine.
- Koyuga Inc. for Koyuga Kobwebs & Kostumes.
- Girgarre Development Group for the Girgarre Moosic Muster.
- Girgarre Community Group Inc. for the Girgarre Dash.
- Echuca and District Adult Riding Club for a TTT HRCAV Show.
- We Are Vivid to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
- Stanhope and District Development Committee for the Stanhope Food & Wine Festival.
Community Equipment Grants:
Funding of $14,639.95 was provided to eight applicants across Campaspe through the Community Equipment Grants stream.
- Echuca Cricket Club for cricket balls and stumps.
- Tongala Bowls Club for pruning and trimming equipment.
- Stanhope Cricket Club for match balls.
- Loco Shed Echuca for a branded marquee.
- Kyabram Lawn Bowling Club for fridges.
- Gunbower Soldiers Memorial Hall for a supper room split system.
- Echuca Junior Football Club for a defibrillator.
- Echuca Bowls Club Inc. for a benchtop convection oven.
Junior Development Grants:
- Jacob Brighton to compete in the State Junior Lawn Bowls event.
There were also three grant recipients through the Responsive Grants Program: a power upgrade for Kotta Hall, Echuca Moama Pickleball Club’s Pickleball on the River experience, and neck guards for Rochester Cricket Club.
Cr Mackrell encouraged community groups with future projects in mind to prepare early for the fourth and final funding round of 2026.
“Whether your group is planning an event, purchasing equipment or developing a new community initiative, I encourage you to speak with our Community Grants Team and make sure you apply under the stream that best fits your project.
“Take the time to review the guidelines, eligibility requirements and key dates on the grants webpage before starting your application.
“A well-prepared application makes it easier to clearly explain the project and the benefit it will bring to the community.
“Groups seeking support for an event should begin planning well ahead of time and have their event details and supporting documents ready, allowing enough time for assessment and approval before the event takes place,” Cr Mackrell added.
The fourth 2026 round of the Community Grants Program opens for applications across all four streams from 1 November to 22 November on the SmartyGrants platform.
Head to www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Grants
